Customer Reviews:
 Fabulously Entertaining July 6, 2008
I enjoyed this novel so much I went back and re-read the other four books in this series.
This story is set before the other novels in the Celaeno series and it is not necessary to have read any of the previous novels, but it totally entertaining if you have, as some of the characters in this novel are also in the other novels.
Really enjoyed the suspense and intrigue carried through the entire book. The characters are in-depth, the setting is fascinating and dialogue keeps you turning the pages. Tremendously interesting ending.
Don't miss the other books in this series
The Rangers at Roadsend
The Temple at Landfall
The Walls at Westernfort
Dynasty of Rogues
From the publisher's website - Militia rookie Ellen Mittal is well aware that the world cannot be reduced to simple questions of black and white, but she has no idea of just how complex and dangerous her life is about to become. The most vicious gang in the Homelands, led by the infamous Butcher, is extending its operations to Roadsend. By her oath as a member of the Militia, Ellen is sworn to uphold the rule of law, no matter what the cost to herself. But as the body count starts to rise, Ellen finds her task made all the harder by a wall of silence from ordinary citizens, a commanding officer with her head in the sand, and the attentions of an attractive young farmer who is probably not who she claims to be.
Ellen must work out who to trust, because if she gets it wrong she might easily lose her heart, or her life.
Another action packed sci-fi adventure/romance in the Celaeno series, a 2005 Lambda Literary Award Finalist.
A Very Welcome Addition to the Series June 13, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jane Fletcher's latest addition to the Celaeno series is very welcome indeed. If you've read the series, you're familiar with the fact that this society is entirely female. Most of you are familiar that the society as split into two factions, one of them being "the heretics," and most of the previous novels have dealt with that particular group of women.
This book, however, focuses on the other group.
It takes place earlier than any of the other books written so far. It details the story of Ellen, a Militiawoman, just finishing her probationary period. She learns of a group of thieves, the Knives, who are led by the Butcher. She works with the Rangers to gather information on the thieves, and during her investigation, meets and falls head over heels for Hal, a woman who claims to be a local farmer.
Is Hal who she claims to be? That's for you to determine. And, like the other reviewers have stated, this is not a happy book. This is an edgy book focusing on loyalty, thievery, vengeance, and family.
Fletcher balanced things out very well. Her writing gets better and better. In fact, after finishing this book at 2:00 A.M., I dug out one of her earlier Celaeno novels, "The Walls of Westernfront." Why? In "Shadow of the Knife," we briefly meet a young Ash O'Neil, a character featured more prominently in the "Walls" novel. I needed to touch base with Ash again.
Great character development, emotional depth, erotic scenes, and divided loyalties make for an exciting read. Buy this one...you won't regret it.
Great continuation to the series April 9, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a delightful continuation of the Celaeno series. There is a lot of action and turmoil throughout the entire book. I have yet to finish it, so I won't spoil it for you. I was very pleased to see Jane return to this increadibly ritch world she created to do another story. By far, this is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to see it continue.
Her best yet. March 30, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Warning, this is not a happy, feel good book. But I loved it anyway. The writing was tight and grabbed you and pulled you into the action. It's a gritty book that keeps you thinking, long after the last page has been turned, about the price we pay for honour and for the choices we make in our lives. I really love it when our lesbian writers find that they have more to tell than a simple, sweet romance. Jane Fletcher is growing with each book she writes. I can hardly wait for the next one.
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