Shadow of the Knife (Celaeno Book 1) - Fantasy Adventure Novel for Adults - Perfect for Reading at Home, Travel & Book Clubs

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.