Sally Green. Penguin. (512p) ISBN 9780141375397
The Smoke Thieves is the first in a new series by Sally Green, the tone is quite low-fantasy throughout, more an adventure but with demons and demon smoke permeating the story.
Demons aren’t really explained in this book, lots of allusion and ideas but nothing solid, as diaphanous as the smoke.
It is quite a traditional story of Kings at war, clashing nations, familial intrigue, despotism and love.
The characters are well written and there are some really despicable ones which make the heroes shine all the more.
Really looking forward to the next instalment of this series.