Enjoyable for those who like this kind of thing...

... and I do.

This is the first book by Abercrombie that I was recommended to read. It was out at our library, hence why I read "The Heroes" first.

As with The Heroes, and the rest of Abercrombie's tales, the characters are a mix of good and bad traits. Some are trying to be better, some don't care, some think they're the bee's knees, so why go changing?

I found myself rooting for Shivers. He's got a plan to be a better man. He doesn't know how he's going to achieve it, but the desire is there... and this was the trait I could cling to.

Oh, and Abercrombie is brutal to his characters! But, that's when you feel. And I felt.

I sympathised with Monsa's need for revenge at all costs, too... even though I doubt I'd ever go so far! But there you go.

The delightful Cosca turns up... Can't be upset at that.

So, if you're looking for a heart-warming, feel-good tale, then... no, this probably isn't for you (depending on your definition of feel-good, I guess!). But if you want to dig deep into the human condition... well, you can't step too far wrong here...