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Priest of Bones

War for the Rose Throne, Book 1

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Priest of Bones

By: Peter McLean
Narrated by: David Morley Hale
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About this listen

'Sixty-five thousand battle-shocked, trained killers came home to no jobs, no food and the plague. What did Her Majesty think was going to happen?'

Tomas Piety takes his duties seriously: as a soldier, as a priest of Our Lady of Eternal Sorrows and as a leader of men. He has come home from the war to reclaim his family business, to provide for his men and to ensure the horrors of Abingon can never happen in Ellinburg.

But things have changed: his crime empire has been stolen, and the people of Ellinburg - his people - have run out of food and hope and places to hide. With his best friend, Bloody Anne, his war-damaged brother, Jochan, and his new gang, the Pious Men, Tomas sets out to reclaim what was his.

And as Tomas is dragged into a web of political intrigue by the sinister Queen's Men, forced to work against the foreign infiltrators lurking in the backstreet taverns, brothels and gambling dens of the Stink, one thing becomes clear.

The war has just begun.

©2018 Peter McLean (P)2018 Quercus Editions Limited Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical War Scary

Critic reviews

"Charismatic and very more-ish." (Mark Lawrence, best-selling author of Red Sister)

"Fans of Daniel Polansky, Mark Lawrence or, dare I say, Blackwing will most appreciate this book." (Ed McDonald, author of Blackwing)
All stars
Most relevant
I thought this book was brilliant, gripped me start to finish and I’d bought the next one before even finishing the first.

Be aware though that CSA is mentioned and though it’s not gratuitous, and is done in my mind responsibly, it’s still there. It caught me off guard as it’s not a theme I’m used to in fantasy, it’s not the main theme but I would go in prepared.

Be aware mentions CSA

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fantastic, face paced and gritty. a real treat for grimdark fans. loved it and would recommend.

fantastic and gritty

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I have just listened to what was listed as the end of this series-The Priest of Crowns. However I see now there is yet another for pre-order, but I doubt that I will not be adding that to my library.
The reviews for the first book were so good. One described a "Peaky Blinders meets GOT" story which a few chapters in I sort of understood.
However, having now listened to all 4 books I'm fairly glad it's over. The plot and storytelling, for me, just got weaker and weaker. I was like a kids book with swearing in the end, very little class or quality.
I would rate something like the Malice series by John Gwynne as a kind of "Premier League quality" about it or an "A" rating for that "Class and Quality" whereas this is a bit lower end Championship or "B/C" C&Q rating. In all honesty cant say I am disappointed enough to return the books, I did enjoy them and listened to them consecutively, but I couldn't hand on heart recommend them to a mate (or to you reader) either.
David Morley Hale has far more to do with the all positives this book has than the writing. His narration was perfect...Now ive written this I will have to see whether I change my mind and am tempted back-in full knowledge of its failings for number 5.

A fading candle of a series

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amazing book wonderfully narrated. Didn't want it to end. Gritty, dark and violent. I can't wait for the sequel.

grimdark fantasy at it's very best

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This is a solid 4 start book but I don't think will be for everyone. It is first person narration throughout which personally isn't my favourite pov but I very quickly adjusted to it.
The characters are well defined with Bloody Anne a particular favourite! This is very similar to Peeky Blinders so if you're not a fan this might not be the book for you.
The narrator was amazing, his voice and accents really suited the novel.

Very peeky blinders!

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