edebell's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt
turbotango's review
adventurous
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thoughtful and full of suspense, Grayshade unfolds like a riddle and then goes for the throat. Highly recommended, especially for fans of cloak & dagger fantasy.
wokeupolder's review
4.0
I received an eARC copy of this book from NetGalley and Atthis Arts in exchange for a review.
4/5 stars.
Who doesn't love a good story about assassins, mystery, conspiracy and revenge? Grayshade ticks all those boxes in what is an action-packed first entry of what should become a very exciting trilogy.
This book follows the accomplished assassin Grayshade, as he carries out the orders of his religion, the Order of Argoth, in the city of Cohrelle. Our protagonist is highly skilled and meticulous in their work, but from the outset, we can see that something is amiss. But is this just an unlikely occurance, or is there a greater conspiracy at play?
Grayshade explores the intricacies of religion, mentorship and loyalty as he tries to come to terms with what is happening around him. He comes to second guess himself, and many of his close acquaintances, his rivals and even his victims. Despite the amount of killing he has done, in the name of his order, Grayshade begins to become more perceptive of the world, and people, around him as the plot unfolds.
This book is pretty much non-stop action from the first page, and it is all very well done. There are some great action scenes, and the weaponry and tactics used by the assassins are very interesting. Secondary characters were also really likeable, particularly Caoesthenes, who provides a lot of information on the Order of Argoth, but also some comic relief in an otherwise dark story.
I do think however that the story could do with some extra worldbuilding, a few extra pages would have really helped to flesh out the city of Cohrelle or the various religions or institutions in the city. Also, the introduction of some new characters always felt a bit convenient, in that there was no foundation set for them, they just appear or are thought about when the plot required them.
Overall this is a worthwhile read, especially if you like dark fantasy with a lot of political maneuvering. I found a strong similarity between this book and We Men of Ash and Shadow by H L Tinsley, and it also reminded me of chapters involving Glokta from The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.
Some favourite quotes:
"Everyone talks about how many people die in war - but I've always been more impressed with how many live."
"The sweeter the melody, the falser the memory."
4/5 stars.
Who doesn't love a good story about assassins, mystery, conspiracy and revenge? Grayshade ticks all those boxes in what is an action-packed first entry of what should become a very exciting trilogy.
This book follows the accomplished assassin Grayshade, as he carries out the orders of his religion, the Order of Argoth, in the city of Cohrelle. Our protagonist is highly skilled and meticulous in their work, but from the outset, we can see that something is amiss. But is this just an unlikely occurance, or is there a greater conspiracy at play?
Grayshade explores the intricacies of religion, mentorship and loyalty as he tries to come to terms with what is happening around him. He comes to second guess himself, and many of his close acquaintances, his rivals and even his victims. Despite the amount of killing he has done, in the name of his order, Grayshade begins to become more perceptive of the world, and people, around him as the plot unfolds.
This book is pretty much non-stop action from the first page, and it is all very well done. There are some great action scenes, and the weaponry and tactics used by the assassins are very interesting. Secondary characters were also really likeable, particularly Caoesthenes, who provides a lot of information on the Order of Argoth, but also some comic relief in an otherwise dark story.
I do think however that the story could do with some extra worldbuilding, a few extra pages would have really helped to flesh out the city of Cohrelle or the various religions or institutions in the city. Also, the introduction of some new characters always felt a bit convenient, in that there was no foundation set for them, they just appear or are thought about when the plot required them.
Overall this is a worthwhile read, especially if you like dark fantasy with a lot of political maneuvering. I found a strong similarity between this book and We Men of Ash and Shadow by H L Tinsley, and it also reminded me of chapters involving Glokta from The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.
Some favourite quotes:
"Everyone talks about how many people die in war - but I've always been more impressed with how many live."
"The sweeter the melody, the falser the memory."
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