A Dance of Cloaks

Executive Summary: A premise that should be right up my alley, just seemed to fall flat in its execution.

Full Review
I was only vaguely aware of this book when it was chosen by a Kickstarter backer for the April Sword & Laser pick. It wasn't on my To-Read list though. A quick scan of my friends showed people who mostly weren't that impressed.

That said, I've surprised at times by books that were chosen, and I try to always read the S&L pick, even if I'm not that into it.

Most people who read my reviews will likely notice the books I don't like that much tend to receive shorter reviews than the books I really like. This one won't be much different. I'm not the type of person to rip apart something I don't like. I just move on.

The premise is one that should appeal to me. Several thieves guilds are vying for power over a city run more by the rich merchants than the King himself. I've always enjoyed playing rogues, assassins and thieves in various games over the year. Any class with stealth is usually my first pick.

I would say the first 20-25% of the book was enjoyable for me. Maybe that was due to my low expectations coming in. I'm not really sure. After that however it started to drag for me.

I don't really like any of the characters. There felt like too much was going on. I'd guess that's because he was trying to build things for a larger series, but for me this made things a bit too haphazard.

The book also doesn't come to much of a conclusion. Things were building steadily towards this festival. The books end with it where a lot of things happened. However so much was left unresolved that you're almost forced to keep reading to get any sort of closure. Unfortunately, I'm just not that interested in continuing this series to find out things resolve. One was enough for me.

2.5 Stars.