I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me…
Only a handful of people in Silasta know Jovan’s real purpose in life. To most, he is just another son of the ruling class. The quiet, forgettable friend of the Chancellor’s charming, irresponsible heir. In reality, Jovan has been trained for most of his life to detect, concoct and withstand poisons in order to protect the ruling family. His ister Kalina is too frail to share in their secret family duty. While other women of the city hold positions of power and responsibility, her path is full of secrets and lies – some hidden even from her own brother.
Until now, peace has reigned in Silasta for hundreds of years. But when the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army storms the gates, the so-called Bright City is completely unprepared. It falls to Jovan and Kalina to protect the heir and save their homeland – but first they must make their way through a new world of unexpected treachery, a world where ancient spirits are rising… and angry.
August 2018 has been a bumper month for first rate fantasy fiction. Last week I read King of Assassins by R J Barker, I am currently knee deep in Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett, and after that I’ll be onto Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames. This week however, I have cast my beady eye over City of Lies by Sam Hawke.
What is the quote attributed to Joseph Heller? “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.” That is Jovan’s life in a single sentence. From a young age he has been trained and prepared to protect his charge. Studying the effects of poisons and antidotes is more than a little dangerous. The only way to appreciate some of their very specific effects is to experience them himself. Jovan takes his job very seriously; a healthy amount of paranoia keeps him on his toes. He considers it a matter of honour to keep the chancellor’s heir alive. Unsurprisingly, there is an earnest quality to this character, this feels perfectly judged. Such an important role was going to make anyone come across as quite sober and business like. As tensions rise however, Jovan has to learn how to be more intuitive, trust his gut and make split-second decisions.
In the grand city of Silasta, politics can be a deadly game. Death and deceit walk hand in hand. The members of the ruling class consider themselves a cultured lot, so poisons are the preferred weapon of choice. When the current Chancellor is killed by an unknown toxin, a chain of events begins that will have ramifications for an entire nation.
The other characters are just as well realised. Take Jovan’s sister for example. The thing that struck me most about Kalina is the inner strength she exhibits. Due to ill health, she is unable to follow in his footsteps. Kalina has to rely on her intelligence in order to help track down the killer. Fortunately, Kalina is blessed with a supremely inquisitive nature and keen analytical skills. Her ability to pick up on the smallest detail making her invaluable. Later in the novel there is a point where the siblings are separated. Kalina finds herself utterly alone, I found these scenes particularly emotive. Her resilience and grim determination felt palpable.
Tain, the Chancellor’s heir, is the final member of the trio. Circumstances require that he has to step up and lead a city far earlier than he ever expected to. Once again, Hawke does a great job of tackling the character’s evolution. Over the course of the novel Tain changes quite dramatically. From being an easy-going charmer, he morphs into a strong, dedicated leader. The juxtaposition between Jovan and Tain’s respective journeys adds a nice additional depth to the story.
Sam Hawke has created a rich and evocative world, and it is easy to picture how the Bright City and its environs function. There are multiple layers to Silastan society and as Hawke’s narrative gathers pace it also picks apart the social injustices that occur. Jovan, Kalina and Tain live charmed lives, they are shielded from the worst the lower classes are forced to endure. Then there is a further inequality between the city dwellers and those who work the land, the Darfari. The land workers follow an ancient religion based on balance between humanity and the elemental forces that surround us. In the city, this belief is often ignored or openly scorned. Decades of religious intolerance and an ever-growing class divide has turned Silasta into a powder-keg. Matters continue to escalate, going from bad to worse and once a siege begins Hawke ramps up the tension still further. With each passing chapter you are reminded it is only a matter of time before things are going to reach critical mass. All the while Jovan, Kalina and Tain are doing all they can to stop the killing and avoid a full-blown war.
City of Lies is part murder mystery, part political thriller with a fantastical heart. Hawke’s work explores a host of ideas that dovetail so seamlessly I was utterly engrossed from beginning to end. There is such a confident tone to the writing. I had to keep reminding myself that this is the author’s debut. Crafting such an accomplished first book certainly bodes well for future novels. I’m calling it now, Sam Hawke is an author to watch. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for her next tale.
My soundtrack recommendation to please your ears whilst reading City of Lies is Alatriste by Roque Banos. Sometimes thrilling and in other moments subtle and subdued, Banos’ score is an ideal fit.
City of Lies is published by Bantam Press and is available from 23rd August.
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