Priest of Lies by Peter McLean (War for the Rose Throne #2)

After six months, Ellinburg has undergone significant change. but not sufficient and not where it matters. Yet though the war wasn’t even won, the Godsday butcher’s bill was way too expensive. And Tomas Piety is beginning to understand that it might never be, particularly while caught up in the political games played by the Queen’s Men. He is entrapped twice, and the only way out is through. He doesn’t, however, let life slip by. After all, every obstacle presents an opportunity. A ready blade and the correct attitude can solve so many problems.

The story has the same oral storytelling and confessional feel as the first book. It combines the directness of dialogue with the techniques of epic poetry. A narrative is being conveyed directly to you, the reader, the buddy, as a result of the repetition, the ongoing internal contemplation, and the request to share secrets. Since it is intimate and personal, framed solely via Tomas Piety, and so profoundly indicative of his experience and morality, it serves as a subtle—or perhaps not so subtle—means of persuasion. This particular writing makes you culpable.

When he describes it, it sounds so plain that the only acceptable response to an infringement on his domain, an insult, or a betrayal is death. Therefore, when people refer to him as the “devil,” an automatic response is to retort, “No, you don’t understand.” He must complete this. It is morally right, necessary, and useful. You’d act similarly. Would you not? He is a protector, a man with his own code, and the best of the awful options. In addition, he is a murderer, gangster, liar, and spy. Every so often, you get the vaguest sense that something isn’t quite right, a doubt that you’re really on the right side of things. It’s a query that the plot itself reflects.

RELATED STORIES

8 Most Anticipated Science Fiction and Fantasy of Summer 2025

June 23, 2025

1.9k

100+ Awesome Fantasy Story Ideas you should write in Summer 2025

May 8, 2025

2k

8 Most Anticipated Horror Books of Summer 2025

May 6, 2025

1.9k

For Piety and his team as much as for us readers, there are no simple solutions to this problem. As we ponder Tomas, he muses over his place in the world. When you first consider his “hard justice,” it appears to be true justice. What’s worse is that it’s difficult to care since his appeal to the individual cuts right through any moral boundaries. That concoction of contemporary sensibilities, a zero-tolerance policy against rape, gender, sexual, and ethnic equality, a gang managed as a meritocracy, and old-fashioned values like loyalty and respect is lethal. And we’re safe because we’re included in the crew and covered by that layer of security. Those that aren’t, well, I guess they’re just out of luck?

Here, there are some surprises. Violence, undoubtedly, but also feeling. Even while they perpetrate heinous acts of violence, these ex-soldiers are in pain. It becomes increasingly obvious that some people are losing themselves to the trauma of the Hell of Abingdon, which hangs over them all. It is unsettling to wonder how soldiers who are barely holding onto their sanity will fight this never-ending conflict. What occurs if they break? What would occur if Tomas did? There is no sign of peace. In truth, Piety’s foes have seriously increased in strength, influence, and “quality.” Although the nobility have entered the picture and their strategies may alter, they are still quite dangerous.

The Pious Men’s streets are seen for the first time, all the way out to Dannsburg. While removing itself from the majority of the people we are familiar with and love may cause the story to lose some of its heart, it is an essential step in fleshing out the specifics of the larger narrative. It is not time wasted. Tomas needs to be completely aware of the rules of the game he is playing and the other players. His contacts with high society are also genuinely funny because of how brilliantly the contrast between their dismissive and condescending views, especially toward his low birth, and his absolute lack of concern for them, plays out. Having said that, consider how Tomas compares to a soft teddy bear in one particular introduction. It’s better to know the devil, for sure. However, the bloody conclusion reveals a surprising truth: We might not know him as well as we think.

One of the few series I’ve read where I have no idea how or where it will end is this one. including the stops that will be made along the journey. This book is…what? I’m here for it forever, I don’t know, and I don’t care. This is the pinnacle of low fantasy, whatever that may be. It has such a strange unique voice, almost like hearing something through a glass that is both captivating and scary. Furthermore, it’s genuinely enjoyable. I read the novel in a few hours, totally absorbed in this world. If you were concerned that the quality and pace would suffer in the sequel, rest assured that Priest of Lies, which will be released in 2019, will be among the finest. Priest of Bones was one of the best movies of 2018. Of course. There is still so much to come.