Priest of Bones

I truly do not understand the hype for this book. The characters weren't any fun to me, the world building was very small scale, the cussing was entirely too ubiquitous and just badly used in general (“burn the cunting thing down”) and child rape that was very much unnecessary. The latter issue was the last straw.

The book is told in first person which I usually enjoy if you make the main character have any redeeming qualities...this guy is just awful. He went off to war and came back and found that rival gangs have taken over much of his territory so he fights to get it all back.

When I heard this was like Peaky Blinders I was ecstatic because I love that show, this is honestly pretty similar but this book just couldn't enrapture me like the show could. Almost every single one of my friends on this app gave this 5 stars so I wouldn't base your desire to read this based off my review but I would go into it with lower expectations.

Such a blatant peaky blinders copy that I initially did not know what to think about it. The audiobook reader was so great, that it made this book a treat.

Main Character Thomas does too much what the plot needs him to do, be or act. I feel that the character development lacks a bit.

Within the first few pages I was already reading this in Cillian Murphy's Brummie accent - and that was before I discovered that this was inspired by Peaky Blinders. In fact, inspired is probably an understatement; this is essentially Peaky Blinders relocated to Anhk-Morpork. Having said that, don't let that comparison mislead you into thinking this is humorous. This is very much hard people doing hard, violent things. Dark as it is however, it is still a highly propulsive story. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.

Not really a 10/10 book, but definitely the fantasy book I most enjoyed reading these last 2-3 years.
It has an Abercrombie feel in its worldbuilding and a Black Company in its characters and it might be described, as many did, as fantasy Peeky Blinders. It might also be described as 85% grimdark (not full cause there are clearly good guys and bad guys and the good guys win) and, even though not that complex, it is not simplistic, either.
It is for me much, much better than Locke Lamora, but it would definitely appeal to that series' fans (as to Brent Weeks ones and definitely Cook's).
It also sports a truly diverse cast which for once does not seem forced fed to the reader just cause it's a must, like in most fiction lately, but naturally occuring.
Recommended. I'll start on the sequel right on.

Give me some time and I will write a proper review but by god's, that was excellent

When a book opens with the word, C*unt, you know it's going to be a good book.

I loved it. There isn't much more to say than that.

For this book I listened on audible and I highly recommend it, as the narrator did a perfect job of nailing the MC Tomas Pioty. It brought to life his character and was an experience I want to enjoy every time I open a book

Tomas Pioty is a gang leader and a Priest. Returning home from War, he tries to reclaim the streets that were once his, while being shackled by the Queen's Man at his side.

Tomas is an interesting character. People call him cold, uncaring but underneath his mask is a man who cares perhaps a little too much for those he calls his friends. Loyal and harsh, I loved following him on his journey .

This book deals with some hard topics as PTSD from War, coming to terms with sexuality, and sexual abuse. As I listened to Tomas describe what happened I was horrified.

It was well done.

The relationship between Tomas and his brother is interesting and brings to life a backstory of pain. The two brothers deal with their pain and suffering in vastly different ways, and from Tomas's POV, I love how he handles his brother. Underneath the pain, there is a fierce love for him.

Overall, an excellent read and I would recommend. But, beware of the hard topics in this book as it wouldn't be for everyone.

4.5 stars.

Mark Lawrence was right - this is addictive stuff!

The story here focuses on the tale of a recently returned group of soldiers. Their leader, now a priest (of sorts) wants to reclaim control of his old ‘businesses' in his home town after a 3 year absence. This gangster/fantasy is a nice combo, and the primary protagonist is engaging. He has his moral code, but he is still a criminal. His ‘crew' are all interesting characters and you can sense their varying motivations.

The fantasy elements are there, but as is the modern trend they tend to be on the margin. Magic only really becomes an element towards the later stages of the book. This book is really about the characters and their interactions. The comradeship that comes through having lived through a hellish event (in this case embodied by their past employment as soldiers).

I particularly enjoy the cynical approach towards religion. The titular priest serves a god known as ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow'. He became a priest when the old one died and the soldiers needed a new one. His approach is based on the fact he was told to listen and lead. That doesn't mean he has to care. And the god he serves doesn't really care either, but the act of listening (as in real life) is a real bond for people.

Peter McClean has built an intriguing world and I look forward to reading how the series progresses - Priest of Lies is already on my tbr.

DNF. This sat and collected metaphorical dust in my ereader for months. I got about 100 pages in and nothing had happened, none of the characters had appealed to me, and their situation didn't change enough to make it interesting. This would be a book for those who read a lot of high fantasy and are used to long-winded soliloquies about walking down the street but I need a little more action.

A promising start to the series. The prose is a little bit over-expletived for my taste, but the dialogue is nonetheless very engaging and seems true to character