Fantastic and violent story of 6 likable, developed characters who risk it all to escape the depressing vagaries of their repressive, violent, late middle-ages societies. Strong world-building. Interesting and escapist fantasy, a more graphic Lies of Locke Lamora. Excellently plotted and paced. Because of all the murder and references to prostitution, I would keep this one for high school students. I would love to read books for adults by this author.