Douglas Hulick has created a world where thieves that work in groups and gangs are identified as the Kin have their own power structure. Those at the top of these gangs are known as Grey Princes, and our lead character Drothe has been elevated to this position quickly and surprisingly.

Drothe is having a hard time accepting this new level of responsibility then another Grey Prince is murdered and he is framed for the crime. Now he must travel to the Despotate of Djan, his empire's long standing enemy and search for a friend he betrayed. His friend is the only one who can help him out of the mess he has gotten himself into. From the moment he leaves his town the time begins to run out and he does not know what his small piece of the empire will look like when he gets back.

Douglas Hulick's fantasy world is one that everyone will enjoy becoming part of. When I picked up this book I had not read the first in the series. I was not only able to read this book but thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I am going to go get the first one and read it even knowing what happened because this one was that good. I am also going to give it to my son to read.

SWORN IN STEEL is a complex world with great characters, action and intrigue. When you pick up SWORN IN STEEL and start reading you become immersed in the world of Drothe and those around him only coming out of that world when you finish the story. I sure hope Douglas Hulick is planning on more books in this series I know I will be reading them.

Douglas Hulick is an outstanding new player in fantasy writing and I hope people read and appreciate this talented author and great series.