This is a perfect story.  I need to preface the review with this statement because the way that I will disclose my reactions may seem like I hate the book.  Read on, but bear in mind that even three weeks after completing the tale, I am still thinking about it.

When I began the book I was disheartened because I did not like the setting of the story.  It was a sort of street urchin feeling, of thievery and poverty.  I kept reading because the writing had a gripping style.  As much as I despised the settings, the author succeeded in placing me there. and I vividly imagined all that I read.

I was reminded of not fully hating such stories because I was an avid fan of the Sanctuary books.  If you don’t know about those, you may want to dig.  (Each chapter was its own story, written by a different author, but all stories advanced the greater tale.  It all took place in Thieves’ Wold)  But even if I hadn’t  been fond of the Sanctuary books, and even if I hated the environment, the writing style of Brent Weeks was too good to dismiss.

Before I was aware of it happening, I became absolutely hooked.  I don’t want to tell you any story details because such things should unfold to you when you read.  It is better to inform you about the things that make this reading a pleasure.

You will find characters who have many levels.  There is no black or white.  Brent Weeks succeeds in not only giving you everything that you need to visualize – he also leaves enough out so that you can be an active reader.  Indeed, I found myself sleuthing many things, to be delighted, and often shocked, when the answers became known.

Beyond all other characteristics is the emotion of the tale.  I could write much more, but this would create expectations.  Rather, go into it blindly, like I did.  It won’t take you long to experience what I did.   I highly recommend this book.

-Bill Zebub