A review by jamesnotlatimer
Black Cross by J.P. Ashman

4.0

Packed full of action and memorable characters, with some interesting twists and turns in a many-threaded plot, and a refreshing number of people trying to do the right thing (even if it doesn't always turn out right). While the author doesn't hesitate to describe the gruesome, there are moments of wonder and beauty here as well, which a lot of modern fantasy ignores. My edition was still a bit rough around the edges, but that didn't detract from the experience, and even some of my concerns with worldbuilding were addressed in the plot (basically, there's fairly good reason they have armour circa 1400 but some elements of society and technology that arrived about 200 years later in our history).

Recommend this kitchen-sink of a fantasy if you are looking for a break-neck adventure with knights, guardsmen, wizards, clerics, elves, witch hunters, prostitutes, inquisitors, goblins, assassins, succubi, disease, ships, sewers, mysteries, revenge, dungeons...and a very special dog.