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sws004's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mborger2023's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nathan_seaward's review against another edition
3.0
I did not enjoy this one as much as book 1.
It kind of has that middle book syndrome but I can completely understand why. The scene of the story moves to another bigger city so many new characters and dynamics are introduced and those things take time to set up and as a result it had moments of being quite slow. It does pick up significantly in the final quarter of the book but I did find I have enjoyed the story much more with Tomas Piety managing life in the stink and Ellinburg more than in Dannsburgh. I also struggled a lot more with Tomas in this book. He really is a bit of a dick and considering he is a gang leader who does horrible things then this is not unexpected however he just seemed to have more likeable qualities in book 1 while still being a pretty horrible person. In book 2 he seemed to be more of a hypocritical self loving twat. I really started to dislike him and every time he referred himself as a prince but I guess that is the point of this story and the character. He is not meant to be likeable but considering the whole book is in his POV it can be hard to read at times. Overall I have really enjoyed the story of the first 2 books and will certainly be carrying on with the final 2 books. The world is dark and grim but intriguing and I have found the side characters like Bloody Anne. jochan, Cutter and Billy to be fantastic
It kind of has that middle book syndrome but I can completely understand why. The scene of the story moves to another bigger city so many new characters and dynamics are introduced and those things take time to set up and as a result it had moments of being quite slow. It does pick up significantly in the final quarter of the book but I did find I have enjoyed the story much more with Tomas Piety managing life in the stink and Ellinburg more than in Dannsburgh. I also struggled a lot more with Tomas in this book. He really is a bit of a dick and considering he is a gang leader who does horrible things then this is not unexpected however he just seemed to have more likeable qualities in book 1 while still being a pretty horrible person. In book 2 he seemed to be more of a hypocritical self loving twat. I really started to dislike him and every time he referred himself as a prince but I guess that is the point of this story and the character. He is not meant to be likeable but considering the whole book is in his POV it can be hard to read at times. Overall I have really enjoyed the story of the first 2 books and will certainly be carrying on with the final 2 books. The world is dark and grim but intriguing and I have found the side characters like Bloody Anne. jochan, Cutter and Billy to be fantastic
pulpmonkey66's review against another edition
4.0
Tomas Piety was introduced in book 1 as a gangster, veteran, and half-assed priest. He came home and reclaimed his gang territory, but in the process also repeated what he felt was his greatest sin - working for the Queen's Men. He not only worked for Ailsa (the agent of the Queen's Men), he also married her in a loveless marriage.
This book continues what I view as Tomas's rise in power by betraying himself and what he stands for. It started off a bit slow for me, but once it picked up, the book was excellent.
This book continues what I view as Tomas's rise in power by betraying himself and what he stands for. It started off a bit slow for me, but once it picked up, the book was excellent.
thereadingrogue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
leeleet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
This is fast paced, well written, and engrossing. The world building is great and the author has a talent for good and understandable prose. The characters are just horrible people and it’s really hard to root for them sometimes. It’s the main reason why I don’t pick up grim dark stuff very often. The people I like aren’t even main characters! I dislike Ailsa intensely and I was cursing Tomas out in my mind in the back half of this book. I might take a little break before continuing with the series. If I continue at all. I’ll probably give other series priority.
nickgoe's review against another edition
5.0
The Pious Men are back and this book continues right where Priest of Bones left off. Tomas Piety is stuck working his way through the politics of the Queen's Men. The whole book is full of interesting turns and eventually you'll be feeling the same way Tomas does: "These are the times we live in."
nazim's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
stevemchugh's review against another edition
5.0
Priest of Lies returns the reader back to the world of Tomas Piety and the Pious Men, and if you’ve read book one and liked it, then book 2 should be very high on your TBR list. It’s a very different type of story to book 1, although just as well written and tightly paced.
It’s not quite as good as book 1, as it felt like a lot of pieces were being set up for book 3 (it's a 4.5 whereas book 1 was a solid 5), but it’s still excellent and highly recommended.
It’s not quite as good as book 1, as it felt like a lot of pieces were being set up for book 3 (it's a 4.5 whereas book 1 was a solid 5), but it’s still excellent and highly recommended.