This book was so good.

I haven't read the other "First Law World" books, but I'm given to understand that they cover some of the main trilogy characters at least by reference and span about 30 years. Missing some background did not diminish my enjoyment of this one.

Without spoiling too much, I would say Lamb is one of my favorite characters of Abercrombie's. Shy is a great new character, and Temple as well. The western style was so dialed in. It felt like the best parts of True Grit and Blood Meridian at times.

Why not five stars? It's close, I'd probably say 4.5. If anything it's a little too violent (crazy for Abercrombie - I know!), but I started just skipping over some of the later fight scenes. It wasn't so much that there was too much fighting, but rather that it went on too long. I could have done with a little longer introduction and quicker conclusion: although the book ends exactly where it should, it takes a while to get there. I think the book might also have been improved with more Shy and less Temple and Nicomo Cosca.