Once again Peter McLean has knocked it so far out of the park it’s gonna take years to find the ball. If you like Grimdark in general (or just GOT) then you MUST get onto this series. Priest of Gallows is the third book in this four book series (The War for the Rose Throne) and boy it’s a doozy. Told in first person by main character Tomas Piety, you get an close up perspective of Piety’s experiences, thoughts, fears and decision making process. Book two left us with Piety now the governor of Ellinburg having given Bloody Anne control of the Pious Boys. This ex-soldier and ex-mob boss’s life seems to be moving up. As with anything in this world designed by the incredible mind of Peter McLean what seems to be and what is are totally different prospects.

It seems that every decision, every step taken by Tomas Piety is just one step further into trouble.

He is summoned by the head of the Queen’s Men to the Capital. It necessitates another change in fortune. He must hand over his governorship and take only his most trusted with him. The summons worries him and with good reason. The Queen’s Men are spies and assassins for the Queen. So what happens to them if the Queen dies? Piety is soon embroiled is espionage of the highest order. Even the secrets have secrets in the Capital. And the Queen’s Men are at the top of the food chain. Still, everyone answers to someone. And Piety must be careful who he trusts. He is a soldier – he knows how to follow orders – and here he is but the Blade, but the Capital is rumbling. Politics, Deceit, Truth, Betrayal and Ruin lie at every turn. And the war Piety would never see return is right around the corner. How well he plays the game will show where his loyalties lie and whether he and his closest allies will survive the coming storm.

The world building in this dark series is exquisite. If you don’t like brutal, bloody scenes it’s NOT the series for you. But if you love the dark, gritty brutality of Game of Thrones then this is the series for you.

The reality of mob mentality is brutal and cruel within the capital. And Priest of Gallows really explores how little it truly takes to turn a populous into a deadly mob. Ellinburg, and Piety’s Pious Men are a holiday by comparison.

If you have read the previous two books, I thoroughly recommend getting this one as soon as it is out at the end of May. A gripping, gritty read. I adore Peter McLean’s writing style. It sucks me in quickly, immersing me in Ellinburg, the Capital, the streets, the palace, upper and lower town and everywhere in between. His characterization is top notch. From Bloody Anne’s endless loyalty, to Ailsa’s lies, to Beast’s trust, to Vogel’s machinations, to Billy’s inherent danger and love and the Princess’s madness. The political games played are as horrible as you would expect, the power grabs fast and brutal and layered. You don’t really know who to trust and the storm is coming.

I am excitedly waiting for the gripping conclusion to this brutal and bloody tale.

This series rocks! Thomas Piety's history is both brutal and fascinating to follow. I can't believe there's only one book left. I confess, and there's no shame in it, that I dread what McLean has in store for his characters. After THIS ending, only mayhem can ensue.

Thomas's distinct voice immersed me in the story. Priest, he may be, among other things, but he doesn't pray often. Why would he? Lady of Eternal Sorrows doesn't answer prayers, after all. His backstory is rooted in violence and trauma. He suffers from PTSD and McLean catches such moments with great skill.

Thomas enjoys respect, power, and authority and in this installment, he gets more of those than he can stomach. After Queen's sudden death his superior, Dieter Vogel, summons him back to the capital. The events that ensue force Thomas to reconsider if he's on the right side and if he's willing to pay the price of immense power.

"Queen's Men were fucking gangsters and there was no other way to look at it, once you saw the truth of the thing. Our country was basically run by gangsters."

Thomas may not be an educated man but he's not a fool, either. His instinct and wit allow him to navigate complex politics, and challenging emotions he would rather not experience. His voice remains rough and brutally honest. Thomas knows he's not right in the head and doesn't make a secret of it. He knows who he cares for, though, and the moments he spends with his friends and adopted son add some lightness to the otherwise dark story.

The story ends on a strong note, not exactly a cliffhanger, rather at a point where a lot is in balance. So, I need the fourth book asap but I'm also afraid of what happens next.