I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I became lost in the world and found myself fascinated by the turn of events in the story. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves well-thought out, original sci-fi/fantasy worlds. This one evokes an asian culture, but does things with it that are familiar while remaining uniquely the authors own. But despite the brillant setting, it was the characters that kept me up into the wee hours of the morning finishing this book down. I will be finishing this entire series.

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I picked up this book because of the laudatory blurbs from both George R.R. Martin and Connie Willis.
I know Abraham has co-written with Martin before; although this is his first solo novel, it doesn't read like a first effort in any way - it's definitely engaging, above-average fantasy.
The world is a somewhat familiar fantasy scenario with an Asian-ish flavor, but not so much so that it doesn't feel interesting and original. It's set in a kingdom whose power rests on the andat - powerful beings in human form who are concepts incarnate - trapped/created by 'poets.' These poet/magicians are like monks, and have to go through a rigorous training program which few succeed in.
The plot involves a conspiracy which may be rooted in a personal desire for revenge, but entwines business and politics as multiple layers are revealed. Along the way there are twists and turns, a love triangle, and more. For me, though, the star of the show was the character Amat - an older woman, an accountant. Not your usual hero (or anti-hero), but she was a compelling, complex person.
Good characterization and interesting worldbuilding together mean I'll definitely have my eye out for more of Abraham's work.

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I did enjoy this book quite a bit. If you like Guy Gavriel Kay's "Song for Arbonne, Lions of Rashan?, or Tigana" then I think you will find it very good. It is plot as well as character driven. A number of plot lines interweave but are not overly complex. The main characters, and there are several, are well developed. The location seems very Oriental. Similar to China when "discovered" by the western powers. Violence is not polite in this civilized world so it takes place in the shadows where it can be ignored. Several very inventive aspects I thought. I am definitely interested in locating the other 3 books of the quartet. Please note that the 4 books were republished in two volumes containing books 1 & 2 in the first volume and 3 & 4 in the second.

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