The way you talk about books makes me want to drop everything I’m reading and get the book you are reviewing. It helps that I almost always enjoy the books you like.

As one who started his Parker journey with this book - yeah it might not be the best place to start, but if you love this all of Parker's works will be up your alley. I loved the tangents, the deep dives into many different systems that make up a society. The ways different people can mesh or clash with the structures and mores that surround them. Like you said, it is fascinating. So, so good.

This actually was my first KJ Parker book, and overall I loved it. It took a bit too long to get there but its like a roller coaster, very slowly ramping up, and then just blasts off in the last third or so. Its been a while since I ended a book so curious about what's yet to come. Thanks for turning me on to Parker!

If I hadn't already read this trilogy with you, this review would have sold it to me! I'm glad we have such a rich conversation about each book in the trilogy. -Forever a Ziani stan

Nobody can sell me on a book like you can!! This sounds amazing. I picked up the Folding Knife and plan on reading it in the near future, and if it ends up being to my taste, I'm definitely heading this way next. Also, with the way you talk about loyalty and agency I have never been more confident that you would like Assassin's Apprentice... So I'll just take myself to the timeout corner for mentioning it and ensuring you never read it. 😅

You honestly have a gift for selling me on books that I highly doubt I will even enjoy, lol. I wasn't expecting this book to focus so heavily on the love aspect, but it sounds almost intoxicating and super compelling. I will listen to your advice and start with The Folding Knife, but consider this added to my TBR anyway! Great review as always Allen 🤩

Your reviews are so good they make me want to pick up the book immediately. Same case here, even though I swore off K.J Parker after the pain he put me through in the books I've read by him😂 *sigh* Guess I'll be getting to this soon

This is one of the most impressive books I've ever read. The poisonous love between these ghastly people and the sprawling, clockwork vengeance tale really stuck with me, but not more than all the talk of Mezentine 'tolerances'. Bloody Ziani! I was hooked from the opening line about the way to a man's heart. I've been so looking forward to this video, I knew the Engineer series would be right up your alley :P It was my first KJ Parker as it happens!

I think I'd like a short story with the guy you mention that hates maps. I feel the unintended hilarity would be very high.

Its not too much forging for my taste but exactly the right amount :D And I want more falconry and fencing, but a little less of other forms of hunting

The return of the king

I love how you didn't mention Parker in the thumbnail, and it was very abstract. I would click on a Parker video because he is amazing, but it seems like many avoid him at all cost! Haha

Just finished the Folding Knife and followed it immediately by Purple and Black, both 5 stars, this has got me so amped to continue with Parker, just so good! Thanks Allen :), awesome review as always!

Wow awesome review! You have me so hyped to try this one, though the Folding Knife and the Company are next for me and Parker.

Excellent review. Please do a review for book 2. This is my first KJ Parker book. I liked it & plan to read book 2 soon-ish. I have no basis for this statement but I suspect that this was Parker's attempt at writing a Harlequin.

I've had this on my list... I'll be sure to buy it now. I'm still making my way through the standalones.

This review is better than the Specification😉

I hope you do a guide to Parker one day!

Love the vids, was wondering if you had any good mystery novel suggestions.

Last year you did a livestream tear ranking of what you read. Is that something you think you might do this year? I love those end of year vids.

20 minutes later... I'm sure not still if you're recommending this book to us or not :D I do know I need to get one of those paper grocery bags to make a cover for it if I'm going to read it in public :D

I meant to reread this trilogy last year when you were reading it but time got away from me. Can't this year because I have two huge rereads to get through (Cosmere and Tad Williams). Maybe next year since it is my favorite KJP that I've read.

Haha the KJ Parker hype train returneth!!!!!!

:D