The Fallen Blade: Book 1 of the Assassini - Tapa blanda

Gritty, grimy, decadent and compelling (SUNDAY TIMES)

The political intrigue is handled with dexterity, springing surprises and plot twists fuelled by the Machiavellian cast. Grimwood delivers a page-turning read and offers a neat twist on the Vampire theme (GUARDIAN)

This is dark majestic stuff . . . (FINANCIAL TIMES)

This is a book full of mysteries that remain unsolved and outcomes that remain cloudy. Grimwood creates a fascinating world and involving characters - most importantly, he makes us want to read the next two volumes of the trilogy (INDEPENDENT)

The writing is elegant, the dialogue is sharp, the characters economically but well drawn, the action unrelenting . . . Hits all the right notes (SCIFI NOW)

A twisted, Machiavellian, complicated and ornate book about survival and the terrible lengths people will go to for power (PORNOKITSCH)

Brilliant, haunting, dark, gothic historical fantasy... This is the best vampire novel written since The Vampire Lestat, while simultaneously being very different and original (CIVILIAN READER)

Known for his near-future SF, such as the suberb ARABESK trilogy, Grimwood's new novel still features his trademark alternate timelines. His attention to detail and skillful weaving of fact with fiction make this a fine beginning to his new series (BOOKS QUARTERLY)

A hugely enjoyable, gritty, violent and dark fantasy (BOOKCHICKCITY)

A novel you can gorge yourself on; a fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure of the old school, full of fire and brimstone thrills and rich flavours (SALON FUTURA)