I enjoy high fantasy books more than I think, because I barely read them, but when I do *chefs kiss*. I loved the world building in this story! The characters were awesome, and I love how they play off of each other emotionally. You can feel their friendship coming off the pages! I plan to read the rest of this series, sooner rather than later.

Thanks for the recommend! #coyer ( )

While this was an enjoyable read, I really struggled with lack of character depth, and horrid character consistency. It seems Castell has his mind set on who a character should be when he writes, and as the character develops on his own, he never went back to make sure the character remained consistent. This continues to be a problem in book two. So 3 stars for a great story with some awesome Three Musketeer Easter eggs, but minus two for all the gaping holes and lack of depth. ( )

Didn't like this so much as the Spellslinger series. It's very similar writing style, but whereas that was a fast paced YA, light and always humours, this tries to be more adult with darker themes. However this clashes with the attempted banter and lack of world-building. It's ok in YA, but I prefer more complex fully developed worlds and characters and this never quite got there. ( )

good, fast-paced, witty and entertaining.
Unfortunately for me, I am not in the right age and mood to enjoy a Banderas Three Musketeers style series. Felt almost YA to me (though kind of buried in gore and torture). ( )

I've read this book 2 times now.

Both times, Sebastien de Castell's writing has made me laugh, has made me smile, has made me rage and has made me sob quietly in bed so as not to alarm my cats and husband in a broken, snotty mess.

There are only a few books and writers that can evoke that from me. I enjoy a lot of books. I find a lot of books, "well written," and "good," and "entertaining," but I find very few that I can say for a 100% certainty that have thrown me into a first-person, emotional juggernaut of escapism.

So, hello. Welcome to The Traitor's Blade, Greatcoats 1, the first-person, emotional juggernaut of escapism.

It's not for those who do not enjoy irreverent fuckery between soul-fasted comrades and long, hard, detailed looks at the darkness of the human soul regardless of what time or genre it's placed in.

I find that today, with the way shit is, re-reading and finally reviewing this book is timely.

This book is about hope and despair and humanity and a lot of the insanity that happens therein and I loved it, so, so much. That's why it is placed on my bookshelf as an, "Adored Timeless Reread," and why at least you should give it a chance.

This isn't just a good book. It is the story of the heart. Also, Sebastien, if you ever read this: you glorious emotional maestro bastard, you. Well done. ( )