Never before have I read a book that has gripped me by the throat, and cut of my bloodydamn air supply as I read it. I was captivated from the very first page. Darrow's narration throughout the entire novel was phenomenal. The first person narrative demonstrated Darrow's inner turmoil brilliantly. He was meant to hate these Golds that have turned his people into slaves yet he feels such strong loyalties to certain characters. 
 For those who are not aware anything with slight inclinations towards Greek or Roman culture is my jam. I studied Classical Civilisations at A-Level and have a place to study Archaeology next year. Which is why the spelling of Demokracy made me so happy. It's so close to the original 'Demokratia' (Demos: people and Kratus: power.) More wonderful Classical-ness, Praetor and Imperator were positions in Roman politics. Praetor being the chap in charge of part of an army or a magistrate. The Peerless Scarred very much reminded me of a futuristic Praetorian Guard, without Sejanus being a pain. (Classics humour.) I find myself wondering if Mickey the Carver was a reference to Michaelangelo. Admittedly, my favourite aspect relating to Classics, aside form the inclusion of mythology was the rivalry between Tiberius au Bellona and Nero au Augustus. There was considerable friction between the actual Tiberius and Augustus. The people loved Augustus and deified him upon death but poor Tiberius was not deified and the chant "To the Tiber with Tiberius" was a popular one. 
 Moving on from my Greek/Roman fangirling. The references to other books were great, in particular the inclusion of William Golding's Lord of the Flies. One of my favourite books with a rather gruesome topic of children losing their humanity and attacking one another. Much like the Houses are forced to do to win ArchPrimus. 
 Characters. Sevro. I love him. He is the snarky little ******* everyone thinks is useless but my God does he show them up. #foreveraHowler I love his couldn't give a **** attitude and his undying loyalty to Darrow through everything. Having been referred to as a Goblin myself for my height I read the book permanently rooting for him to show everyone up. Us Goblins gotta stick together. 
 The plot. God have mercy on your nerves as you read. Fast paced and action packed but interspersed with great character building moments. I needed those desperately. I was getting 'The WalkingDead syndrome' every time a character left the main group. 
 Full review over on :http://an0velidea.blogspot.co.uk