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nonsenseofsight 's review for:

The Folding Knife by K.J. Parker
4.5
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

KJ Parker is one of my sleeper favorites.

This was at least my second time through The Folding Knife (though it has been a decade or so).  I had a FANTASTIC time reading it again. The plot is so meticulously crafted. Everything is precisely tuned for maximum effect. 

I often get the feeling that I don't have much in common with KJ Parker. Like, if we were sitting next to each other on an airplane, we might not find much to talk about. But I love that. I love being challenged in that particular way. Especially with the narrative skill that KJ Parker uses. His books are just coiled springs of plot.  

Character wise, we've got a lot of Shakespearean drama here. A Caesar story.  Economics drive our "hero"  and there's a fair amount of meditation on Machiavellian themes.  

The setting is equal parts Ancient Roman politics and a kinda pre renaissance Italy. It's fascinating.