Three Parts Dead (Craft Sequence)

I thought this was a great beginning to a series. Honestly, it stands alone as a really good read. The magic system and world are built exceptionally well, and I actually care about the characters. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!

A well-reasoned take on the old fantasy scenario of knowledge, faith, and the conflict between the two. While the metaphor is sometimes heavy-handed, and the resolution a little too "Before I Kill You, Mister Bond", I did end up pulling an inadvertent all-nighter to finish this one.

If you like fast paced stories with deep and endearing characters, with plausible magic, and gods, and craftsmen, with a sprinkle of gargoyles and vampires thrown in . . . and an awesome plot with twists and suspense, GET THIS BOOK!

Stirring tale of gods and magic. Fine craft with words, wonderfully drawn characters, great heart. I usually read hard SciFi. This tale grabbed me and compelled me to read it. Well done. Highly recommend.

Novel was enjoyable fantasy. Involves steampunk-like themes of awkwardly advanced technology in a relatively slow-to-advance cultural setting (however the catalyst is magic, not steam (Magic punk?)). The novel is well written and managed to hold my attention without fail. Not the best novel I read even in the month I read it, but it was a solid start and whispers promises of better books to come.

HOLY GOD THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. i should disclose, however: i'm a lawyer, and magic in this book's universe is very much based on how law works in real life, so i personally find it very relatable. but do not be deterred if you are less legally-minded. it is filled with epic magic fights and the protagonist is delightfully complex. read it. read the whole series.

This is a really interesting fantasy novel, with really good world building and a complex who-dunnit that keeps you guessing to the end, just a bit let down by somewhat clunky language. It takes place in a world where gods are very many and very real, and where the key trade and business activity is trading in the "soulstuff" that keeps the gods powerful. The gods, however, have lost a major war with humanity in the past, and now humans known as Craftsmen/Craftswomen also wield god-like powers. In the aftermath of the God Wars, different societies have accommodated the changes in different ways, with some continuing to worship and sacrifice to their chosen gods, while others have rejected them and are generally ruled or run by powerful Craftspeople. In this story, an apparently failed Craftswoman is recruited to a significant law firm and her first case is to represent the church that worshipped and cared for a major god who has just died, leaving his city in something of a limbo. Trying to work out who is responsible for the God's death turns out to be anything but easy for the heroine, but makes a fascinating read. I thought that this read a little like a first novel and could have used some tighter editing, but overall I found it well worth reading, and have gone on to read the other books in the (loose) series by the same author, which I have also enjoyed.

A masterful debut. Spectacular worldbuilding with just the right amount of detail. Interesting characters, lovely plot development. Beautifully written. Can't wait to see what else this author produces.

Good, well written, but occasionally obtuse, a little boring, and heavy on the monologue. Read the whole thing, which is more than I can say for most fantasy I've come across. At least it was original.

The right amount of complex and digestible. Author might go right to my automatic buy list .
as it is, I have read this book twice and enjoyed it both times. Now I am off to buy his next book. Well done sir

Amazing universe, well-crafted characters. A wonderful storyteller, Max Gladstone delivers a captivating tale of Gods, bankruptcy, and professional firms who fight for their clients using all their Crafts. I just loved it. Have read it twice now, just to appreciate the subtleties, the use of language, the consistency of how Gladstine's universe works. Wow.

The most original, accomplished, and satisfying light fantasy I have read this century. It may well provide the foundation for a new subgenre. In any case, I'm looking forward to reading Max Gladstone's next book.

In so many fantasy novels there is one common mistake--the author forgets all of the rules of their constructed world and the story turns in on itself. Not so with this promising work! A definite must read; Gladstone's only flaw is switching so rapidly between perspectives towards the end of the novel. I found the quick cuts to be laborious and take away from the thrill of a plot finally realized. That is the only reason I did not rate 5 stars.

Loved the world Max Gladstone created for this novel. Really enjoy the way magic works and the unique niche the crafts persons have carved out in a world of Gods and mortals. I liked the main character and hope we get to know her more in future books

Aside from the brilliant world-building, this features two of the best female characters I have seen in a book. And, lucky you, you won't have to wait for the second instalment like I did because it's already published.

Great book!!! Interesting and unusual. Well written. Liked the progression of the story. Left room for many more adventures and back stories from various characters in the book. Looking forward to more books from same premise.

I liked the idea and the characters, but the book just didn't quite come together for me. Still, if you want a different take on urban fantasy with a strong woman as the protagonist, I would recommend giving this book a try.

This builds on the previous craft series books. Book one introduces the King in Red, Temoc & family, and Elayne Kevarian. Bood 2 follows Temoc and his son. Book 3 follows Craftswoman Elayne Kevarian and introduces Tara Abernathy. I look forward of the rest of the series. This series was recommended by Tor book as a great example of world building. I agree wholeheartedly. All of these have been great stories.

A great read that blends together elements of steampunk, legal procedural, and murder mystery into a wholly new melange. A quick read with strong setting and interesting characterization. Recommended.

This was one of the more original fantasy novels I've read in a while. The use of noir and streamline elements tends to seem contrived in a lot of genre novels... but it fit here. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

this book was fantastic. the world building is fresh and original, the characters are compelling,and the prose is ornate without being overdone. the closest comparison I can think of is: like China Meiville but not so bleak and with better pacing.

Come for the excellent similies, stay for the well-rounded motivations and interesting mystery. If you like Jim Butcher's sense of plot but wish his writing style were more evocative, this is a good book for you.