Surprised. 
 That, more than anything else, describes how I felt while reading this book. 
 One of the things I dislike more than anything else about fantasy novels is the constant retread of Tolkein style elves and Gygax inspired monsters. It is discouraging to read through novel after novel and feel like I should be creating a character sheet to go along with the author. But not here. 
 This book surprised me by being so fresh. I love the religion, the reviling of magic, the political aspirations, and all of this without having to drown in monotony around the details. This is a fantasy that is plot driven, with a caste system and religious background that gives depth without being trite or ever feeling too familiar. 
 Phil Tucker is new to me, and obviously new to most of us. I am starting right in on the second in this series, and hope he keeps them coming.