Anchored in Stone

First of all I haven't read the previous version of the book so I really started reading Anchored in stone as a white board - no idea what kind of series this is, no expectations, not a hint of what's ahead of me. But I love The Cubi - another series of this author so I am familiar with the author's writing style and I am in love with his keen eye for details and the fascinating way his mind works. And I wasn't disappointed yet again with the massive, carefullly well crafted, original world building. If you are a reader like me who enjoys new, compelling interpretation of old religions, some ancient history and mythology thrown into the mix and if that's not enough paranormal elements are an added bonus. And while I was still trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together - Sumerian pantheon of Gods, Templars, Christianity dogmas, witches on the run, ancient belief systems, secret race of mankind's defenders - the Earned, the pages were flying by and I was getting to know the colourful variety of characters, their backgrounds and roles - Kaleb, Alex, Edward, Dominic, Pritchard, Mr. Henry and many, many more. The focus of the story is definitely not on the romance angle/it's slow burn/ which is normal for a first book in an urban fantasy series. It's intense, breathtaking, thrilling adventure with a lot of surprising twists.
There are also some darker aspects woven into the story because the author never shies away from difficult, triggering, darker topics like child abuse, torture, imprisonment of underage person, minor sold and bought on page, some homophobia and violence. I am definitely waiting the next books in the series and the further development of the world building.