Ace of Shades is my favorite read of the year so far. A new and interesting magic system, an insanely atmospheric setting, morally grey characters, street lords and cabaret. I am in love.

This series has been on my list to read for much too long of a time. The synopsis almost seems to good to be true with such a large promise to deliver. Yet, here we are. Call me the newest resident of New Reynes, the City of Sin, because its got me hooked. My enthusiasm may seem light hearted but this book has many wonderfully woven layers. My favorite character in the book may be the city itself. Its alive, waiting with jaws open, like an anglerfish in the deep bowels of the ocean, for you to become distracted by its pretty lights and abandon all your good intentions of self preservation.

Yet, maybe the city does not corrupt, at least I don't think it does to Enne. It reveals and sifts away the pomp of lace and collars and starched gloves, the manners and modesty and demure glances. It challenges, sure, and offers no lack of danger. But it also presents seductive opportunity to abandon any pretense taught to you by the outside world and embrace the "what if" that haunts the day-to-day numbness. The City of Sin allows you to be anything, but not without a cost. You just have to decide if you're willing to pay it. I can't wait to see what comes of Enne and Levi in the second book, King of Fools.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy light fantasy with morally grey characters. You will hate a character on one page then root for them the next, and there's so much of this fascinating universe yet to be discovered. Also, the series has been completed which means they can be read all in one sitting *wink and a tired yawn*