Things are getting more epic as the stage switches to city-scale conflict. A mighty battle dominates this issue but never eclipses the politics or vivid characterisation. Our starting characters are absent for virtually the whole book but we don’t mind as there is so much more going on. The plot progresses rapidly and we are intrigued by new developments.

There is a lengthy opening told in Sand-Eater dialect. Whilst this is not too hard to follow it does outstay its welcome and would benefit from being shorter.

The art is excellent. There are no flashbacks here but interior and exterior are cleverly delineated using line thickness and greater shading. A great example of a strong but simple technique.

Definitely plenty to have you clamouring for more.

Thumbs Up!