Liz Loves Books.Com.

Publication Date: 26th Febuary 2015 from Hodder and Staughton

Source: Advanced Reading Copy.

They enslaved humanity three thousand years ago. Tall, strong, perfect, superhuman and near immortal they rule from their glittering palaces in the eternal city in the centre of the world. They are called Those Above by their subjects. They enforce their will with fire and sword.
Twenty five years ago mankind mustered an army and rose up against them, only to be slaughtered in a terrible battle. Hope died that day, but hatred survived. Whispers of another revolt are beginning to stir in the hearts of the oppressed: a woman, widowed in the war, who has dedicated her life to revenge; the general, the only man to ever defeat one of Those Above in single combat, summoned forth to raise a new legion; and a boy killer who rises from the gutter to lead an uprising in the capital.

Oh I loved this one! To be honest I wasnt sure that Daniel Polansky could top the wonder that was the "Low Town" series but if anything this is even better in a lot of ways- great world building, a huge amount of depth to the characters and a real page turner.

There is a lot of character building and scene setting in the early chapters which can be a tad confusing at first, but it comes into focus quick smart and from then on in is a rollicking read, a huge amount of fun, with a dark side that really appealed to me. There is a richness to the often strange language used, a unique feel to the whole thing and some terrific plot arcs that make it an intelligent and often heart stopping read.

An intricate set of circumstances, an eclectic and hugely differing cast of characters (Bas, I loved Bas!) a heck of a story beautifully told, as a "book one" it was pretty perfect. Am VERY much looking forward to what is next, as now we have a picture and understanding, Chapter two cannot be anything but brilliant.

Highly Recommended for Fantasy fans. And much as I dislike comparisons, I do think honestly that if you are a Game of Thrones fan you will adore this.

Happy Reading Folks!