RaveForbes... reminded me that Abercrombie is one of the most brilliant voices in fantasy right now, putting out consistently excellent fiction with each release ... Abercrombie, who has always been sharp when it comes to weaving politics into his fantasy without making them heavy-handed, manages to do so again, though his commentary this time around is perhaps even more salient ... Questions of immigration, sexuality and economics all weave effortlessly through the text. There is nothing preachy or heavy-handed here, but plenty to make you think ... Abercrombie’s prose is as readable and engaging as ever. The world he crafts is an ever-moving chessboard, and all its pieces are constantly in motion ... Abercrombie’s writing is at once economical and evocative. His world feels just as real now as ever ... one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in years. There is nobody quite like Abercrombie in this genre. Perhaps Martin, though I’ll admit: I think I like Abercrombie better ... Every fight scene is painfully brutal, but not just for the blood and gore, but the way you feel the characters’ exhaustion and fear. It’s palpable. War and violence aren’t glorified here at all ... Memorable, relatable, frustrating characters. A world poised on the brink–of new technology, new revolutions, new threats from north and south, and old ideas doing their very best to maintain the status quo. I honestly have no idea where this story is headed, but I love that we’re heading there ... Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say that he’s a master of his craft.
