This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is an amazing debut novel that leaves me excited for Dickinson's future books.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant is the story of a girl who has to find her place in a newly arrived empire. Unlike most fantasy, where conquests are decided in great battles or duels between champions, Dickinson focuses on real power. He weaves a story of an mercantile empire controlling its conquests through the power of education, monetary policy, and trade. The hero is a young accountant using the tools available to her. Dickinson manages to make high finance more exciting than any battle I've read about.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great stories full of intrigue.