David Dalglish - A Dance of Cloaks

In A Dance of Cloaks David Dalglish has created a dark world where life is easily lost and swords and daggers rule. I don't normally read fantasy, but decided to broaden my horizons with this book. I'm glad I did. I don't want to post any spoilers, so I'll simply say the main plot was between a father and son. Thren Felhorn would stop at nothing to bend his son to his will and make him into a heartless assassin and the next ruler of the thieves guilds. Sub-plots involved a variety of other characters vying for money or power. There are also two very different religions struggling to win the people to their respective beliefs. The action scenes--and there are many--are so well-written that I could easily imagine myself observing as if from a nearby vantage point. But not too nearby--the vivid battle and torture descriptions are not for the squeamish. The main characters are portrayed with depth and feeling and each is given a story that we follow throughout the book. I especially liked that the women were strong characters and some of them could fight as well as or better than the men. All the action and conflict lead to a climactic event when Thren Felhorn, ruler of the thieves, attempts to wipe out the opposition and finally take control of everything. Some of the characters live and some die violently, but loose ends are tied up in a dramatic battle that overtakes the city. Highly recommended.