Will I love Paladin's Grace?

In this series, the paladins are generally noble, honest, and wholesome – they are paladins, after all, even if their god is dead. But I don’t read these books for the paladins. What I most adore are the backdrop machinations of the Temple of the White Rat, a religious order interested in saving the world in the most sensible of all ways: with lawyers, doctors, social workers, and a sound understanding of economics.

At least once per book, the delightful – and very, dangerously practical–Bishop Beartongue will turn up to throw a wrench into events, and it delights me every… show more.

If he knits socks, he’s a keeper—that’s the most important thing I learned from this book. The second is that stepping on a severed head can really kill the mood, but pages filled with brawny sword-wielders who are struggling to balance their faith and their fervor can really make up for a whole mess of horrible murders.

Kingfisher’s World of the White Rat, which spans several growing series, perfectly blends sentimentality and humor. Every time I pick up one of these books, I feel like I’m being wrapped in a warm cloak (never mind that I probably need the… show more.

What does Stephen, paladin sworn to the Saint of Steel, do when the god dies?

The berserker rage can still rise and overwhelm him, but with no holy purpose behind it. Co-protagonist Grace is a perfumer, well nigh indomitable but struggling to overcome her own traumatic past. Throw them together and add... comedy and romance?

Well, yes, and Kingfisher pulls it off in her own inimitable fashion, with terrific worldbuilding and a suspenseful, engrossing plot. This is an entertaining and ultimately hopeful read.