Priest of Bones

Mark Lawrence was right - this is addictive stuff!

The story here focuses on the tale of a recently returned group of soldiers. Their leader, now a priest (of sorts) wants to reclaim control of his old ‘businesses' in his home town after a 3 year absence. This gangster/fantasy is a nice combo, and the primary protagonist is engaging. He has his moral code, but he is still a criminal. His ‘crew' are all interesting characters and you can sense their varying motivations.

The fantasy elements are there, but as is the modern trend they tend to be on the margin. Magic only really becomes an element towards the later stages of the book. This book is really about the characters and their interactions. The comradeship that comes through having lived through a hellish event (in this case embodied by their past employment as soldiers).

I particularly enjoy the cynical approach towards religion. The titular priest serves a god known as ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow'. He became a priest when the old one died and the soldiers needed a new one. His approach is based on the fact he was told to listen and lead. That doesn't mean he has to care. And the god he serves doesn't really care either, but the act of listening (as in real life) is a real bond for people.

Peter McClean has built an intriguing world and I look forward to reading how the series progresses - Priest of Lies is already on my tbr.