Publishers Weekly
09/11/2023
In this epic trilogy opener, Parker (A Practical Guide to Conquering the World) offers dark humor and bloody conflict alongside a cutting examination of the cost of war and the people who exacerbate and profit from it. The man calling himself Saevus Corax, self-described as “arrogant, callous, selfish and utterly devoid of any redeeming qualities,” has a perfectly good life as a battlefield salvage contractor, taking advantage of the ever more frequent conflicts between Sirupat and its neighboring nations. But when a routine stop to deposit fresh inventory in his supposedly secret storehouse goes awry, Saevus discovers that his checkered past is catching up to him. Soon, it looks like he’ll have to return to the real family business: ruling Sirupat. Retaking his place among the royal family puts Saevus smack in the middle of the two most powerful factions in the world. With a massive war looming that Saevus wants no part of, he’ll need to rely on every bit of his devious nature to escape unscathed. Saevus is not so much an active protagonist as one to whom things just happen, resulting in an extended, bloody travelogue dotted with humor and snark. As told through Saevus’s self-aware voice, it’s a promising series starter that’s sure to appeal to Parker’s fans. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"Part political intrigue, part underdog tale, part acerbic commentary on humanity, Parker’s dryly funny low fantasy is off to a strong start."—Booklist on Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead
"Readers who like Peter David, A. Lee Martinez, or the Guardians of the Galaxy movies will find this title right up their alley with similar tones, fantastical plots, and over-the-top characters."—Library Journal on Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead
"Full of invention and ingenuity . . . Great fun."—SFX on Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City
"Parker's acerbic wit and knowledge of human nature are a delight to read as he explores the way conflict is guided, in equal measure, by the brilliance and unerring foolishness of humanity . . . . Thoroughly engaging."—RT Books Reviews on The Two of Swords: Volume One
"This is another splendid offering from K.J. Parker, the (pseudonymous) British fantasist who seems incapable of writing in anything but top form."—Locus on Sharps
"Well-crafted, powerful and downright unmissable"—SFX on The Company
"Brilliant."—Locus on The Engineer Trilogy
"Skillful plotting and rich scene-setting."—Guardian on The Company
"A richly textured and emotionally complex fantasy...Highly recommended."—Library Journal on The Engineer Trilogy (starred review)
"Astonishingly good."—RT Book Reviews on Sharps
"Parker's skillful control of pacing, expert rendering of characters, and subtle sense of humor add depth and believability."—Library Journal on Sharps
"In this epic trilogy opener, Parker offers dark humor and bloody conflict alongside a cutting examination of the cost of war and the people who exacerbate and profit from it... A promising series starter that's sure to appeal to Parker's fans."—Publishers Weekly
Locus on the Engineer Trilogy
Brilliant.”
Guardian on The Company
Skillful plotting and rich scene-setting.”
SFX on Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City
Full of invention and ingenuity . . . Great fun.”
Locus on The Engineer Trilogy
Brilliant.
SFX on The Company
Well-crafted, powerful and downright unmissable
Locus on Sharps
This is another splendid offering from K.J. Parker, the (pseudonymous) British fantasist who seems incapable of writing in anything but top form.
RT Book Reviews on Sharps
Astonishingly good.
RT Books Reviews on The Two of Swords: Volume One
Parker's acerbic wit and knowledge of human nature are a delight to read as he explores the way conflict is guided, in equal measure, by the brilliance and unerring foolishness of humanity . . . . Thoroughly engaging.
Library Journal
08/04/2023
A new series from World Fantasy Award winner Parker (A Practical Guide to Conquering the World) features a wisecracking antihero with a penchant for getting himself into and out of trouble. Saevus Corax leads a band of battlefield salvage operators who come in at the end of pitched battles to pick up, mend, and resell items like armor and weapons. After one such battle, he and his fellow operators learn that they are being set up for possible theft from a monastery. While Corax has survived many such made-up scenarios, this instance may prove a tad more difficult. For what's in the past may not stay in the past, and, in fact, may be waiting in the present with a sharpened blade. VERDICT This satirical, tongue-in-cheek humorous first book in a trilogy is outlined in first person by the unreliable narration of Corax as he journeys and comments on the various events that happen to him. Readers who like Peter David, A. Lee Martinez, or the Guardians of the Galaxy movies will find this title right up their alley with similar tones, fantastical plots, and over-the-top characters.—Laura Hiatt
