I liked, but I didn't love this book. The concept is wonderful: magicians are effectively a kind of white-collar job like lawyers or accountants. It gives lots of fun opportunities for Pratchett-esque social satire. But I didn't get drawn in to the story or the characters, and I found the writing a bit annoying.

I realise this is the second time I have compared a book I've reviewed to Pratchett. In the case of House of Open Wounds, I thought Tchaikovsky had successfully captured something of the same kind of worldbuilding that I loved in Pratchett. But in this case, Gladstone is aiming to capture a different aspect of Pratchett -- his juxtaposition of unexpected modern concepts and a fantasy world -- but I can't quite place why it isn't working for me.

On the writing: it's fine, but every so often there's a metaphor that doesn't land, or a simile that feels a bit forced. (I think I had similar problems with This Is How You Lose The Time War.)

Despite these complaints, I'd give this a qualified recommendation: if it's something you think you might like, you probably will.