This is the first book in what I would describe as a classic fantasy tale with a grim dark twist. The best way to describe the tone of this book is if you put First Law, Gentleman Bastards and the Three Musketeers in a blender this is what would come out. 

The King is dead and his "greatcoats" aka his traveling justices and some of the best swordsman and archers in the land have been branded as traitors for how it all went down. But they are all seemingly still loyal to their fallen king and seeking to make things right. This is a political powder keg with some of the Duchies being absolutely INSANE!!! 

I adored our main trio of boys and the female MCs as well. There are some wonderful mentor/mentee relationships that I'm curious to see how those arcs ultimately pan out. I am kicking myself for not having picked this up sooner because for me it was an easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars. I totally see why this wouldn't work for others, it's chaotic and insane and there's 500 plots that all seem half baked at times but truly it all comes together in a fabulous way. 

Onto book 2 👏👏👏