“Refreshingly original” -- SFX Magazine

“This is fantasy at its finest.” -- Grimdark Magazine

“The plot’s surprising twists and turns will wow fantasy fans.” -- Publishers Weekly

“It’s been a long time since a book made me swear out loud in horror... This is a story about politics, faith, betrayal and the loss of innocence, and I for one will be eagerly looking forward to a sequel.” -- Set the Tape

“A cracking read that will burn the candle in the night.” -- Aurealis

“It's exciting at every turn with a wonderfully spun plot that keeps you guessing the entire time.” -- FanFiAddict

“Matthews delivers on the bigger picture stakes” -- British Fantasy Society

“Both bloody, and bloody well written.” -- Fantasy-Faction

“Matthews delivers visceral descriptions of battle, the cut and thrust of gladius and pila, the shouldering of shields, the smell of blood and fear – and weaving through this, the delicate nets of magical constructs that can still snap, inflame or explode.” -- The Fantasy Hive