This sturdy stand-alone transports readers into the world of Joe Abercrombie's First Law Trilogy. For almost two decades, war has raging between Grand Duke Orso and the League of Eight, annihilating entire cities and spreading disorder nearly everywhere. Everyone seems to be suffering; everybody that is except Monza Murcatto, the wily female Snake of Talins. In battle after battle, Orso's cunning mercenary not only wins victory; she stuffs her already ample coffers with more of the Grand Duke's lucre. At some point, Orso's cup of resentment overflows, spilling into a betrayal that leaves Murcatto badly wounded, nearly dead-and aching for revenge. Strong supporting characters; vivid plot development; a young author on the upswing.