Ahh, a new Vlad Taltos. This series has been a 'must read' since I first discovered it oh so many years ago. Even with the last installment (Vallista) being a bit weak, in my opinion. This one is pretty much a back to basics Vlad. 'Criminal' shenanigans in a fantasy world with magic and elves etc. However, these are not the elves you expect and the world building is skewed as a dark mirror to our own world. Brust is also an avowed socialist so this dark mirror shows the cracks and failings in our own world from that perspective. Brust cheerfully admits that one of his primary influences is Dumas and the Dumas is to the fore in this one. This is not (and I stress, not) your typical teenage boy fantasy fare. This is adult stuff that isn't afraid to be light, humorous and buckle the odd swash when it has to. A definite recommend and while this doesn't hit the heights of say, Dzur, this is a very worthy addition to his planned 17 novels in this world. One more to go!