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Description
Summary
I recently read the second historical fantasy grimdark novel Priest of Lies (The Rose Wars, #2) by Peter McLean. You can check out my review of Priest of Bones (The Rose Wars, #1) .
Review
Priest of Lies is the second book in McLean’s War for the Rose Throne series. Priest of Lies follows almost directly from Priest of Bones with continuing to appreciate the character arcs and stakes.
The protagonist is Tomas Piety, a morally grey character who is both loyal to his own code based on how he perceives his relationships—both with allies and enemies, creating a strong and compelling character.
McLean’s world-building is historically based in the medieval city of Ellinburg where he rules as a gangster of the Pious Men but his summons with his wife (a royal spy) to Dannsburg, with its nobility, protocol, and political intrigue, contrasts and challenges Piety in his capacity as a gangster and spy. The brutal violence of exercising power, oppression, betrayal, and shifts in morality depends upon position and leverage. McLean also explores trauma and how war shapes the characters, especially cope or fail with “battle shock” or PTSD.
Priest of Lies is a strong sequel that deepens the scope of the War for the Rose Throne series and builds on the Grimdark intensity of Priest of Bones, but with increasing political intrigue, emotional consequence and higher stakes—for all characters and the plot. McLean strengthens the world building to one where violence isn’t the only currency but reputation, and moral compromises are another means to achieve the end.
Conclusion
A highly recommended grimdark fantasy with complex and multifaceted characters, thriller and adventure level action and political scheming. The espionage, gang warfare and incorporation of magic into the historical setting counties to make this a compelling series.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 