Kay's latest historical fantasy is inspired by events in France during the Hundred Years War against England, and it builds on the world first seen in The Lions of Al-Rassan. Here Christians, Jews, and Muslims are represented by the Jaddites, Kindath, and Asharites, although the actual religious beliefs are quite different. Early in the 15th century little magic remains in the world, but there are still some who receive communications from the unseen half-world and a few remnants of the old gods seen in Sarantium (Constantinople). This particular story starts with the brutal assassination of a King's brother. Because this Duke was also acting as regent for the King while he was lost in madness, the desperate Provost pulls the tavern poet Thierry Vallar into the investigation in the hopes that he can ask questions behind the scenes. Thierry would much rather go back to his warm bed, but as he was in the middle of a criminal endeavor that would see him hanged, he has little choice but to assist. But their worst fears are realized because exposing the culprit might throw Feirrere (France) into a civil war, and they already in the process of losing a war against Angland (England). 

The assassination is just the beginning of Thierry's sudden inclusion in the happenings of the great and powerful. Along the way he meets kings and queens, seers and saints, most notably a young maiden. This maiden hears the voice of Jad and picks up a sword to save her country, and eventually realizes that their only chance to avoid civil war is to fight with words rather than swords. Other prominent themes are sexual and gender equality. Many of the characters are bisexual. As always, Kay's writing is excellent and his world building is simply amazing. His characters find both joy and sorrow along the way giving his stories a depth that makes most others seem one dimensional. However, despite the attention to detail and Thierry's journey of self-discovery, this still falls short of the emotional storm that was The Lions of Al-Rassan or the poignancy and magic of Sailing to Sarantium. Although set in the same world, it's not necessary to have read any of the other books set there, despite several references to many of them.

As for the ratings on the story and narrator, they simply don't get any higher.