Overall, this is a highly entertaining novel with interesting plotlines and unexpected twists—though not the mind-boggling kind, they’re still very enjoyable. The pacing is solid, and the storytelling keeps you engaged throughout.One aspect I find less appealing, however, is the author’s tendency to keep villains alive for potential future use. While the villains themselves are exceptionally well-written and compelling, I personally have a strong aversion to the recurring villain trope. It’s something I’ve seen done poorly in many other books, and it’s made me wary of it, even when executed well. In fact, I dropped another book by this same author a year ago for the same reason.That said, this is more a personal bias than a flaw in the writing. The author’s skill is undeniable—his world-building, character work, and pacing are top-notch. I’ve truly enjoyed his works and have a lot of respect for his ability to craft such immersive and engaging stories.I’ll also add a fair warning: the main character is brutal. Not quite in a blood-curdling, horror sense, but definitely violent enough to make even readers familiar with darker books pause and go, “Damn.” It fits the tone of the story well, though, and adds to the MC’s impact.If you don’t mind a little blood, vengeance, and villains that refuse to stay dead, you’re in for a gripping ride.
