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A review by quossie
City of Lies by Sam Hawke
4.0
What a great way to start the year. I somehow missed reading this when it first came out even though it caught my attention enough to buy (great premise! fantastic opening! eye-candy cover!), and it ended up sitting in my TBR pile for two years, beautiful and unappreciated.
While the idea of spies, secret poisoners and the 'power beside the throne' is well-worn in fantasy novels, City of Lies managed to keep it fresh and interesting by throwing in racial tension, ancient mythology/religion, conspiracy, war, siege, murder, and mystery. I loved the fact that the characters had so much more depth than a lot you find in fantasy books (as if the presence of magic makes the cardboard people glossy enough not to matter). Jovan's anxiety especially felt claustrophobically familiar at times. Well written, well plotted, and just an all around good read for anyone who enjoys quality fantasy.
I'm now in the process of hunting down Hollow Empire to devour immediately.
While the idea of spies, secret poisoners and the 'power beside the throne' is well-worn in fantasy novels, City of Lies managed to keep it fresh and interesting by throwing in racial tension, ancient mythology/religion, conspiracy, war, siege, murder, and mystery. I loved the fact that the characters had so much more depth than a lot you find in fantasy books (as if the presence of magic makes the cardboard people glossy enough not to matter). Jovan's anxiety especially felt claustrophobically familiar at times. Well written, well plotted, and just an all around good read for anyone who enjoys quality fantasy.
I'm now in the process of hunting down Hollow Empire to devour immediately.