The plot's surprising twists and turns will wow fantasy fans. -- Publishers Weekly
* Publishers Weekly *
Matthews delivers visceral descriptions of battle, the cut and thrust of gladius and pila, the shouldering of shields, the smell of blood and fear - and weaving through this, the delicate nets of magical constructs that can still snap, inflame or explode. -- The Fantasy Hive
* The Fantasy Hive *
This is fantasy at its finest. -- Grimdark Magazine
* Grimdark Magazine *
Refreshingly original -- SFX Magazine
* SFX *
Matthews delivers on the bigger picture stakes -- British Fantasy Society
* British Fantasy Society *
It's exciting at every turn with a wonderfully spun plot that keeps you guessing the entire time. -- FanFi Addict
* Fanfiaddict *
A cracking read that will burn the candle in the night. -- Aurealis
* Aurealis *
Older teens and adults will enjoy the novel's political intrigue and struggle to survive, which are reminiscent of George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones or a slightly less fantastical version of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series. -- Library Journal
* The Library Journal *
A magnificent, thoughtful, highly readable account, full of political intrigue and dripping with potent, dark atmosphere. This is a must read for fantasy fans who enjoy political machinations. -- Bookworm Blues
* Bookworm Blues *
It has all the elements you expect from fantasy: magic, battles, power-struggles and impossible odds keeping you gripped. -- A Rambling Reviewer
* A Rambling Reviewer *
It's been a long time since a book made me swear out loud in horror... This is a story about politics, faith, betrayal and the loss of innocence, and I for one will be eagerly looking forward to a sequel. -- Set the Tape
* Set the Tape *
