A review by kagedbooks
The Pale City by Marshall J. Moore

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

"Two dead men stood awaiting my command." 

That is a really solid opening line! I really enjoyed this debut novel by Marshall J Moore. 

The premise of this story is that the Roman-esque world uses their dead as "Attendants" that serve in the role of servants and soldiers. Only certain highly trained people (Legates) have the ability to control the attendants... 

Enter our Main Character Legate Gaius Cassius Calvus, who is was injured in battle limiting his ability to control the attendants, this forces him into an early retirement; 

Soon after he returns to the capital he finds himself entwined in a new world of political intrigue as he investigates a crime that shouldn't be possible, a murder committed by an attendant. 

I really enjoyed the blending of fantasy with a detective story. One of my favorite things is when an author finds a way to use necromancy useful by people other than the bad guys. 

I found the pacing and worldbuilding to be enjoyable. I had some minor gripes regarding how the MC handled his investigation in ways which I do not think an accomplished general would I, but nothing that took me far outside of the story. 

I will definitely be reading the sequel, The Ashen City, in the near future.