The 5th book in the First Law series world is probably the weakest. But I have to admit the plot is tight. There are few enough key characters you can actually follow the story easily.

Bremer dan Gorst, disgraced master swordsman, has sworn to reclaim his stolen honour on the battlefield. Obsessed with redemption …

Prince Calder isn’t interested in honour, and still less in getting himself killed. All he wants is power, and he’ll tell any lie, use any trick, and betray any friend to get it. Just as long as he doesn’t have to fight for it himself.

Curnden Craw, the last honest man in the North, has gained nothing from a life of warfare but swollen knees and frayed nerves. He hardly even cares who wins any more, he just wants to do the right thing. But can he even tell what that is with the world burning down around him?

Over three bloody days of battle, the fate of the North will be decided. But with both sides riddled by intrigues, follies, feuds and petty jealousies, it is unlikely to be the noblest hearts, or even the strongest arms that prevail…

Three men. One battle. No Heroes.

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The most compelling character by far is this oddball.

Whirrun of Bligh – a famous hero from the utmost North, who wields the Father of Swords.

He’s the most philosophical character. Most of the book is man-to-man fighting, while discussing the stupidity of war.