I'm giving this 2 stars for the action sequences, and little else. There are many rough edges to this book (as with all 3 in the series), though none so annoying (and newly introduced) as the change in character voices. Having read the first 2 novels in the series, I was confused as to why one of the main characters suddenly seemed to have a completely different voice than that introduced previously. Not only was this vexing, it was near inexcusable. I had to force myself to finish this series.

There are flashes of brilliance in Remic's writing, especially during anything involving a swinging axe or sword. However, dialogue and character voicing need a lot of improvement...most especially when either discussing or voicing female characters. None of the women in this book/series are believable. I'm a guy who loves violent fantasy and sci-fi, and even I was discouraged by their constant reduction into sexual objects or weaklings in need of protection. It got old quickly. I'll be happy if I never had to read the word "quim" again. Yuck.

If you like dark fantasy, or books with axe swinging muscular heathens in the main role, you will find pieces of this book to enjoy. Just be warned that there are speed bumps ahead. ( )