Publisher: Harper Voyager Pages: 468 Format: Paperback Rating: I haven’t read a fantasy novel for quite a long time – I’m quite sure that the last fantasy book I read was ‘The Hobbit’ by Tolkien, a few weeks before the release of the film of the same name. Anna Smith Spark’s debut novel is an amazing and stunning return to reading fantasy – for more details about the author, read my previous post (click here).
Sorlost, the Capital of the Sekemleth Empire, is in a severe state of decadence and neglect. Lord Orhan Emmereth plans to murder the current Emperor and re-establish the old glory of the city. To carry out his machination, Orhan decides to hire a company of mercenaries. Among the expendables, there’s a young man, Merith. He’s running away from his homeland, and he has a terrible past to forget. The Capital may be an opportunity to create a new life, but it also may be an opportunity to heal from the pain of his past and accomplish his destiny. ‘The Court of Broken Knives’ is an astonishing fantasy, containing the right amount of magic, violence, shrewdness, and wickedness. A perfect dose of betrayal and political double-cross makes the entire story remarkable. Merith is extremely controversial, and obscure; he is a perfect anti-hero who must deal with his past. In order to pacify himself, Merith goes against everybody and everything that tries to stop him. Lord Emmereth is another peculiar character; he plotted against the Emperor, and, even though the plan didn’t go as he wished, he manages to increase his power and be on the winner’s side. I personally loved his personal duality; Orhan has a wife – Bil – and she’ll give birth to his heir. On the other hand, his heart and love are for Darath, Orhan’s accomplice. Anna Smith Spark definitely stunned me. Her debut novel is the first book of the Empire of Dust trilogy, and it will appeal and attract numerous readers.
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