Morgan crafts a great world in this book and the characters are well done. However, as I do, I want to get my complaints about The Steel Remains out of the way. Every bit of sex in this book seems forced. Morgan can't write a sex scene to save his life. Yes, I understand this is supposed to be gritty and we're supposed to really understand that Ringil being gay is an albatross around his neck and that his privileged upbringing is all that saved him but rather than massage this gently through the narrative Morgan slams it home with a sledgehammer. Honestly it's this part that keeps this from being a better review because it takes away from the rest of the story. With that out of the way the world building here is breathtaking. Notwithstanding the issue I've already pointed out, Morgan is a good writer. The characters are just about perfect for a dark fantasy setting. There are no heroes here, only people who are doing the things that must be done. Maybe they were heroes once but at the point in their lives where we come to know them they are managing little more than surviving. It's a wonderful setting.The Dwenda, the helmsmen, the Kiriath, well done all around. The politics are a little clunky at times but that seems to be because we see them through the eyes of the characters and none of the people pulling the strings are important enough for us to see their greater machinations. This is a well written world with well written characters and if you're a fan of dark fantasy and can overlook some clumsy sex scenes then it ought to be on your list to read.

Well written but lots of back story.