Scary, sexy, bloody and raw, tender by measure -- rarely sweet without an accompanying sting; like stroking an exposed nerve. Its 300 pages run quicker than you would expect with its lavish scenery, loving portraiture, and juicy action; the writing isn't in a rush but it is very sharp, and it keenly cuts a path through its unique world and detailed characters to deliver a memorable story that doesn't trip over its own complexities. The detailed fantasy world and its complex politics do not, however, outshine the leading pair, with their vibrant personalities and intoxicatingly difficult chemistry.

A fantastic read. And it will hurt a bit -- but it wouldn't be so engrossing if it didn't.