I didn't enjoy this novel quite as much as I expected. Whenever I became invested in a setting, period and mix of characters I was derailed because the author threw everything up in the air and started again. Certainly, it did all join up but I don't see any advantage to this fashion for a jigsaw approach and, frankly, it made it hard work to read.
But the plusses do outweigh this unsettling inconvenience. The characters are larger than life and their relationships intriguing. The backdrop is Europe at war, including violent crimes, poverty and uncertainty. There are thieves and murderers, spies and assassins, protectors and avengers, sailors and merchants, publicans and mercenaries. These chaotic and turbulent times really spring to life showing communities where nothing is guaranteed, safety is a luxury and there can be more adventure than people really want!
But the plusses do outweigh this unsettling inconvenience. The characters are larger than life and their relationships intriguing. The backdrop is Europe at war, including violent crimes, poverty and uncertainty. There are thieves and murderers, spies and assassins, protectors and avengers, sailors and merchants, publicans and mercenaries. These chaotic and turbulent times really spring to life showing communities where nothing is guaranteed, safety is a luxury and there can be more adventure than people really want!