Age of Assassins is the first book in R.J. Barkers The Wounded Kingdom trilogy. When I read the synopsis for Age of Assassins I expected the usual rogue / assassin character however what were are given is something very different entirely.

Girton Club-foot is not your usual rogue / assassin he has a condition with one of his feet that causes him much pain and as we see throughout this book it somewhat hinders his abilities. Girton’s annoyance at his condition comes through however there are plenty of times where he pushes himself beyond his limits to do the best he can and this is something I found truly endearing and admirable in his characteristics.

As you progress the book you learn more about Girton’s master and this makes a very intriguing prospect, especially when we start to see it interwene with the plot of the book and how this effects how they treat Girton.

Age of Assassins plot has similarities to other rogue / assassin stories however this is where it stops. R.J. Barker has created a wonderful story with intrigue, light sprints of action and great characters, this is also coupled with his brilliant writing style using quick pace and depth that makes it very difficult to put down Age of Assassins.

Age of Assassins is a gem of a book and a must read for fantasy fans.