Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Bloodshed sparks the flames of conflict as Hicks' adventurous fantasy trilogy takes a dark turn following the events of The Nameless City (2016). Inspired by the friendship between Kai, a Dao, and Rat, a Nameless City native, the General of All Blades moves forward with Kai's father's unprecedented plan for a council to give all that city's peoples, natives and conquerors alike, a say in its governance and future. But many Dao, particularly the general's son, Erzi, are unhappy with the idea of yielding control, and Erzi's fear of losing the rule he sees as his birthright turns swiftly to anger…and murder. With the Dao Empire suddenly thrown into chaos and with their lives in danger, Kai, Rat, and Kai's injured father seek refuge among the monks of the Stone Heart. But Erzi's desperate and dangerous ambition is being guided by the enigmatic Mura's quest for vengeance. They want a powerful weapon kept secret by the monks, and they will stop at nothing to take it. Flourishing from the strong worldbuilding and characterization of the first installment, this middle volume of Hicks' epic introduces a few new characters but mostly provides a vital and enthralling closer look at those readers have already met as well as unfurling more of the Chinese-inspired city's past, as colorist Bellaire brings all to stunning emotional life. For all readers fond of the edges of their seats—a penultimate triumph. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 12-adult)

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Bloodshed sparks the flames of conflict as Hicks' adventurous fantasy trilogy takes a dark turn following the events of The Nameless City (2016). Inspired by the friendship between Kai, a Dao, and Rat, a Nameless City native, the General of All Blades moves forward with Kai's father's unprecedented plan for a council to give all that city's peoples, natives and conquerors alike, a say in its governance and future. But many Dao, particularly the general's son, Erzi, are unhappy with the idea of yielding control, and Erzi's fear of losing the rule he sees as his birthright turns swiftly to anger…and murder. With the Dao Empire suddenly thrown into chaos and with their lives in danger, Kai, Rat, and Kai's injured father seek refuge among the monks of the Stone Heart. But Erzi's desperate and dangerous ambition is being guided by the enigmatic Mura's quest for vengeance. They want a powerful weapon kept secret by the monks, and they will stop at nothing to take it. Flourishing from the strong worldbuilding and characterization of the first installment, this middle volume of Hicks' epic introduces a few new characters but mostly provides a vital and enthralling closer look at those readers have already met as well as unfurling more of the Chinese-inspired city's past, as colorist Bellaire brings all to stunning emotional life. For all readers fond of the edges of their seats—a penultimate triumph. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 12-adult)

ALA Booklist (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

Kai and Rat narrowly thwarted an assassination attempt at the end of Hicks' series starter, The Nameless City (2016), and their cooperation inspired the Dao general to create a council of representatives from each of the groups occupying the city rather than continuing his monolithic martial rule. For Kai and Rat as well as Kai's father and the monks with whom Rat has made a home, the council will be a welcome change. But among the Dao, especially the general's son, Erzi, there's grumbling resentment that threatens to boil over into something much more violent. Hicks delves deeper into the backstories of her characters in this volume, offering insight into their motivations and further background about the conflicts among groups living in the city and its surrounding countryside. Her manga-inspired artwork is as lush and detailed as ever, incorporating vast cityscapes, cinematic action scenes, and quiet moments of meaningful, often wordless, expression. While less happens in this book than in the last, Hicks lays the groundwork for more thrilling events in a forthcoming volume.