In the Shadow of Lightning absolutely deserves its high rating, being a very fine mixture of black powder military fiction combined with a magic-system based fantasy society. The result is magic like we treat technology, with factories and scientific advancements, as well as economic, societal , and cultural impacts. To say that the world-building is excellent is an understatement. Combine this with a plot that is epic in scope... war looming, Empires at risk, and magic disappearing, and well, this is exactly my cup of tea.

There is a grim realism in the establishment of this world and so this is not an escapist fantasy. Corruption, politics, complex internecine struggles... it's a bloody serious mess before you even include the armies full of muskets and godglass. I loved the complexity of the Guild family establishment, as well as the Empire's upper level politics. I appreciated the toll the war takes, showing the dangers of godglass and yet how it's completely infused into society. It's a good thing that Demir Grappo is ultimately a good person, because there is a real lack of that in this world. In fact, all the main characters are fairly easy to cheer for, and that helps make this novel an easy read.

Highly Recommended.