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A review by mamday
The Fallen Blade: Act One of the Assassini by Jon Courtenay Grimwood
5.0
I think this book is probably only worth about a four, but it is so chronically underrated on Goodreads, so I gave it a five. I think I understand why so many people can't get into it easily though. Grimwood doesn't really ever feel the need to explain anything to the reader. If you can't follow all the plot points that he is inferring then too bad. People have also complained about the way the author uses periods where most people would use commas. I don't really think it is that distracting honestly, though maybe if you are a grammar purist you should stay away for that reason.
Also, if you come to this book looking for another vampire romance type novel, you will be greatly disappointed. This is much more a dark, realistic take on the 1400s than a vampire novel. I think if the supernatural elements were completely removed, the plot of the book would barely change. So if political intrigues, betrayals, complicated love stories and assassins don't interest you, don't pick up the book just for the vampires. You are bound to be disappointed. If you like an author like Joe Abercrombie, you will probably like this series also.
Also, if you come to this book looking for another vampire romance type novel, you will be greatly disappointed. This is much more a dark, realistic take on the 1400s than a vampire novel. I think if the supernatural elements were completely removed, the plot of the book would barely change. So if political intrigues, betrayals, complicated love stories and assassins don't interest you, don't pick up the book just for the vampires. You are bound to be disappointed. If you like an author like Joe Abercrombie, you will probably like this series also.