';This is one hell of a good book. So many fantasies concentrate on the darkness in humanity these days. There's something to be said for that, if it's well done. Yet this is a book that reminds you that deep down, we want to have courage and honour — and we admire those who do. Hugely enjoyable throughout. 5 stars — well deserved.'Conn Iggulden The King is dead, the Greatcoats have been disbanded, andFalcio Val Mond and his fellow magistrates Kest and Brastihave been reduced to working as bodyguards. Things could beworse. Their employer could be lying dead on the floor while thekiller plants evidence framing them for the murder. Oh wait, that'sexactly what's happening Now a royal conspiracy is about to unfold in the most corrupt cityin the world. A carefully orchestrated series of murders that beganwith the overthrow of an idealistic young king will end with the deathof an orphaned girl and the ruin of everything that Falcio, Kest, andBrasti have fought for. But if the trio want to foil the conspiracy, savethe girl, and reunite the Greatcoats, they'll have to do it with nothingbut the tattered coats on their backs and the swords in their hands,because these days every noble is a tyrant, every knight is a thug,and the only thing you can really trust is a traitor's blade.
