Someone, or a group of someones, is killing saints – horribly and ritually. When the Saint of Mercy succumbs, Falcio's lover, Ethalia, is blessed (or cursed) with sainthood, which puts her right in the firing line. The clergy have decided to step in and take control of the kingdom, and they have stony-faced inquisitors and lots of disaffected knights on their side, complete with shiny armour and large broadswords. On top of that there are the unstoppable Needles, crazed zealots who have super strength and an insatiable desire for saints' blood. On the plus side, Valiana is making a creditable job of running the country on behalf of Aline, the fourteen year old heir to the dead king.

Once more Falcio, Brasti and Kest are caught up in major events as they support Aline against (first) the dukes and then the church. They are so busy reacting to individual events that they have trouble seeing the big picture. Events in the previous book have left both Falcio and Kest damaged in different ways. Brasti continues to play the fool, though in the end he's the one who comes up with insights that contribute a solution. When they discover who's really behind the mayhem they discover that they have an even bigger problem.

I've galloped through the first three books in this quartet and without hesitation moved straight on to the fourth, Tyrant's Throne. They are so fast paced that you want to gulp them down while at the same time not wanting to finish them.

I absolutely love this series. If your marry Scott Lynch with the Musketeers, this is what you get: a rip-roaring, hilarious and action-packed adventure fantasy undercut with poignant humour and heart.

You will fall into this world so quickly that all of its rules will unfurl and wrap you inside of it and you will look up from the next page wondering where you are. It is the immersive experience that makes the time spent with Falcio, Kest and Brasti so rewarding.

Part mystery, all delightful action, this is a splendidly told yarn that will appeal to those who want to spend their afternoons at an Errol Flynn matinee and their evenings playing Settlers of Cataan.