There is a saying amongst the killers of the Midnight Court, when rivals cross paths, blades always follow.
Shey Jing is an honourable warrior, Sebastian Schiller a louche, schism touched bounty hunter known as ‘the Mosquito’.
They are given a simple choice when they cross paths with the Roach King; work together or die together.
But simple isn’t easy when two people hate each other.
Thrown together by capricious Fate, the arrachid and the Mosquito must overcome their many, many differences and complete their mission. Only then can they get on with the real business of fighting over who gets to kill the Guild Blade they’re hunting.
…and just like that, we’ve reached the final review of 2021. This year has been something else hasn’t it? There have been more than a few emotional ups and downs. My one constant throughout has been the ability to escape into a good book. I’m glad to say we end the year on a high. The latest novel by K T Davies, The Spider and The Fly, has been let loose on an unsuspecting populace and it is an absolute belter.
Before we begin, it is worthwhile noting that The Spider and The Fly is a spin-off from Davies’ on-going fantasy series. Though this book is part of the CoBU™ (Chronicles of Breed Universe) prior knowledge of what has occurred elsewhere is entirely unnecessary. The Spider and the Fly can be read as a standalone work. That said, you should read the Breed novels if you haven’t already. They are rather all splendid and worthy of your time.
Sebastian Schiller is a platinum rogue. Along with his long-suffering amphibious gentleman’s gentleman, Carfax, Schiller travels the world always on the lookout for raucous adventure and the opportunity to make more coin. At first glance, Schiller comes across as a rakish sot. Of course, there are hidden depths to our Mr Schiller. The peacocking popinjay is, in actual fact, an expert bladesman. He is also quite the multi-layered emotional onion. The old axiom proves true, appearances can indeed be deceptive. Schiller is far more than just a frivolous, foppish coxcomb as it turns out.
Shey Jing could not be more different. Though she is the daughter of a feared gang boss, she lives her life by a strict code of honour. Jing attempts to follow the warrior’s path. Forced against her better judgement to work with Schiller and there is an immediate friction between the two. From a reader’s perspective, their mutual antagonism couldn’t be more fun.
What follows is a bawdy romp filled with fine whisky, revolution and more sartorial flair than you could shake a stick at.
I found myself viewing The Spider and the Fly as almost a fantastical buddy cop movie. Tango and Cash if you substitute Kurt Russell with a part human, part mosquito and Sly Stallone is a female human spider hybrid…Hmm, perhaps not. There are similar beats, however. Not unlike their celluloid counterpart, Schiller and Jing start off hating one another. There is a boatload of scathing banter. Davies is terribly good at the back and forth between the two protagonists. They bicker and snipe at one another constantly. Schiller is particularly adept at verbal sparring. He views a perfectly selected barb to be just as important as a well-chosen frock coat. Schiller’s tongue is without a doubt as cutting as his blade.
The details of the world-building are well executed. I always appreciate the little things, like the intricacies of arrachid travel. As soon I read the description, I found myself nodding knowingly in agreement. Of course large humanoid spiders would travel in the method described. Well-conceived touches like that are the icing on an already delicious cake.
I might be wrong, but I think I also spotted some nice nods to the classic Universal monster movies*.
Action, adventure and a host of snarky comments, The Spider and The Fly has it all. What more could you want? If you’re not familiar with K T Davies’ writing, then this is the ideal gateway drug to begin your addiction. Once you’ve devoured this, then there are many other CoBU novels for you to seek out and enjoy. If you are already a fan of Davies’ work, then what the hell are you still doing reading this review? Go and buy The Spider and The Fly immediately! You already know you are going to love it.
The Spider and The Fly is published by Scimitar Media and is available now. Highly recommended
My musical recommendation to accompany The Spider and The Fly is a long-time personal favourite. Assassin’s Creed: Unity by Chris Tilton is just the right mixture of delicate, decadent and downright devil may care. The tone of the novel and the album complement one another perfectly.
I’m off for a well-earned break but, fear not, I’ll be back in 2022 for much more book-related waffle. Until then, have a wonderful holiday season, be nice to one another, and for goodness sake wear a mask. Seriously, it’s not difficult folks.
*pitchfork waggling villagers, deranged “scientists” and sinister castles for the win!
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