This was fantastic. It took a bit to get into/get my bearings, but once I did I was hooked. Vonvalt is a Justice in a medieval type fantasy realm - basically a detective, lawyer, judge, and executioner - with some magic/necromancy powers thrown in as well! As a lawyer myself, I really dug the procedures and discussions about the law and the justice system and what the law stands for. There’s also a courtroom scene! Our main character Helena is Vonvalt’s apprentice/clerk. I loved how the narration was framed. She’s writing as an older woman looking back on her time as a 19-year-old. So when she acts rashly or does something dumb, she totally calls herself on it. And she has a lot to say in hindsight. The dynamic between Helena and Volvalt (and Bressinger) was written so well. I can't wait for the next one!

The first book in this series was amazing, and the sequel did not disappoint. It's slow moving and a lot of the action doesn't kick in until the last 15-20% or so, but I was still gripped the whole time. You get a new setting - the city of Sova - a bigger villain, and some new intrigue. I didn't love the way the relationship developed between Vonvalt and Helena, but I like that we got to see Helena examine Sir Konrad's flaws. And I just loved the scenes with Vonvalt's retinue - Helena, Bressinger, and Radomir - together. The writing is just so good! Can't wait for book 3!

What a ride. This trilogy is one of my new favorites! This one seemed more horrific and dark to me, but it still all comes together in a satisfying way. I really enjoyed following Helena Sedanka, and love her reflective thoughts and descriptions. She's grown a lot since the first book. We also see more complications -- good and bad -- from Konrad Vonvalt and there's more moral and legal dilemmas to ponder. We also got to see many of the side characters that I love. And Heinrich! What a great series.

A good wrap up, but not as satisfying as the earlier books. It moves too quickly and every chapter has its own “oh no, the end is nigh, wait! Literally deus ex machina!” moment. It strains credulity.