Quick little piece that clearly takes place inside a larger universe. The mess of fantasy names, geography, and complex family relationships was a struggle to understand in a story as short as this, but is probably (hopefully) better explained in her full-length novels.

The writing is serviceable, sufficient to move the plot along without being memorable. Descriptions are a bit cliched, e.g. "dark skins glistening in the heat of the midday sun".

I'll read more of Fallon if I get the chance, but my to-read list is too long already and I won't be going out of my way.

Five stars for that cover image though! ( )

Novelle uit de Hythrun Chonicles, dus maar een dun boekje over Kiam Miar en hoe hij bij het Assassins Guild is aangenomen. ( )

First Kill by Jennifer Fallon is set in the same world as the Hythrun Chronicles, the Demon Child trilogy and The Lyre Thief. It features Kiam Miar, an assassin who is one of the main characters in The Lyre Thief. This story, like the title suggests, is about the young assassin's first — graduation — kill. As far as I can it's set before the events at the end of the Demon Child trilogy, but you don't have read any of Fallon's books for this story to make sense. That said, if you have read The Lyre Thief and enjoyed the character of Kiam Miar, this is a good story to read.

When I started reading, I wasn't sure how Fallon was going to make the story interesting rather than a straight recounting of Kiam killing someone. I obviously don't want to spoil it, but there is more going on than a straightforward assassination and the story showcases young Kiam's cleverness.

You can read the story on Tor.com or pick it up from your favourite ebook retailer.

You can read more of my reviews on my blog. ( )