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Corax Trilogy #3
Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder
If you’re going to get ahead in the battlefield salvage business, you have to regard death as a means to an end. In other words, when the blood flows, so will the cash. Unfortunately, even though war is on the way, Saevus Corax has had enough.
There are two things he has to do before he can enjoy his retirement: get away with one last score, and get away with murder. For someone who, ironically, tends to make a mess wherever he goes, leaving his affairs in order is going to be Saevus Corax’s biggest challenge yet.
There are two things he has to do before he can enjoy his retirement: get away with one last score, and get away with murder. For someone who, ironically, tends to make a mess wherever he goes, leaving his affairs in order is going to be Saevus Corax’s biggest challenge yet.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
About the author
K.J. Parker
139 books1,767 followersK.J. Parker is a pseudonym for Tom Holt.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
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June 10, 2024I have glommed this trilogy in Parker's vaguely alt-ancient Mediterraneanish world. Saevus makes for an intriguing narrator, not so much a flawed man as a man-shaped assembly of flaws, but with enough self-knowledge and a little tiny thread of hope. This last instalment gallops along and ends very much as it should, ie classic Parker.
December 13, 2023
The Saevus Corax trilogy concludes with this book. Saevus wants to retire from the battlefield-scavenging business, but first he has to rescue his widowed sister, notwithstanding the fact that she has been trying to kill him for years. There is also a treasure hunt. And Saevus does in fact get away with murder. I am always impressed by how much history (including family, political and military history) the author has created for these fantasies.
The ending of the book/trilogy was satisfying and it stayed true to the generally cynical and non sentimental nature of these books. The book could be read as a standalone, but it’s better to read from the beginning. I wasn’t crazy about the first book, but the next two improved.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The ending of the book/trilogy was satisfying and it stayed true to the generally cynical and non sentimental nature of these books. The book could be read as a standalone, but it’s better to read from the beginning. I wasn’t crazy about the first book, but the next two improved.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
June 7, 2026
Phenomenal. A riveting, manly trilogy with incomparable writing, with each volume more deeply emotional than the last. Parker writes like he's having the time of his life. It's eminently quotable, hilarious and bittersweet. In terms of quality and consistency and cutting to the heart of human nature, it's on par with Terry Pratchett.
This entire trilogy was published in 2023, something I first ever saw done in traditional publishing with 2014's Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy. No idea if that was in fact the first time this was done in contemporary times, but I love it. I particularly love that I discovered Parker at this point in time when there's a huge back catalogue of his and doppelganger Tom Holt's books waiting whenever I want to dip into it. Did I just find a new favorite author? I may have, at least until I read something else of his and discover it's only the specifics of this series that churn my butter, though I doubt that.
I have whoever cited Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead when I asked for recommendations of fantasy with crows or ravens in it to thank.
This entire trilogy was published in 2023, something I first ever saw done in traditional publishing with 2014's Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy. No idea if that was in fact the first time this was done in contemporary times, but I love it. I particularly love that I discovered Parker at this point in time when there's a huge back catalogue of his and doppelganger Tom Holt's books waiting whenever I want to dip into it. Did I just find a new favorite author? I may have, at least until I read something else of his and discover it's only the specifics of this series that churn my butter, though I doubt that.
I have whoever cited Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead when I asked for recommendations of fantasy with crows or ravens in it to thank.
January 15, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book is little dark compared to the first two. While I liked the complex themes Parker explored in this book, I miss the wittiness we got in the first two books. And surprisingly, this is the saddest I felt at the end of a Parker book. That only shows how much I got invested in these characters.
This book is little dark compared to the first two. While I liked the complex themes Parker explored in this book, I miss the wittiness we got in the first two books. And surprisingly, this is the saddest I felt at the end of a Parker book. That only shows how much I got invested in these characters.
July 24, 2024
The final book in this rapidly issued trilogy (all three books published in two months). Classic KJ Parker, and book 3 finished off well this epic life story and adventures of Saevus Corax.
There’s a dark central thread to it, comparable with the Engineer trilogy. As for that series war and the consequences for ordinary people caught up in it feature heavily and this seems particularly appropriate at the moment when apparently unstoppable conflicts are all around us in our seemingly more civilised era.
On the book specifically, Saevus is back scavenging on the battlefields of small conflicts with his team of war equipment recyclers. However, rumours of a much bigger war are circulating and it may be time for the small scale operators to stay safe and keep out of the way for a while. In addition, the almost PTSD that Saevus suffers from due to the incident in book 1 that led him to leave his privileged youthful life takes centre stage again as people from that past reappear. And to my surprise Love emerges as a major theme. I’ve noted in other KJ Parker books that if it’s recognised at all it’s often as a great evil - the pleasure you may get from it can be easily outweighed by despair from its sudden loss. There is an element of that view here but this is the nearest to a romance that I recall in a KJ Parker novel. Even a dash of sex (“…I made rather a hash of it, but she didn’t seem to mind. It’s the thought that counts, she told me.”).
The plot is epic in its scope, with Saevus witnessing major events while dealing with his personal issues. There’s a lot of warfare, though not much witnessed first hand, often more the tragic aftermath. A dark tone overall with Saevus attempting to plod on with his life though often in a state of resignation as events unfold around him. And his family background really does not help.
I’ve decided anything by KJ Parker is my comfort reading, if not always with a comfortable content. An interesting, unpredictable, convoluted story that makes you think about humanity’s pointless conflicts. This one has less observational wry humour to compensate than some but is an absorbing read. A must for KJ Parker fans.
5* for this and the series.
There’s a dark central thread to it, comparable with the Engineer trilogy. As for that series war and the consequences for ordinary people caught up in it feature heavily and this seems particularly appropriate at the moment when apparently unstoppable conflicts are all around us in our seemingly more civilised era.
On the book specifically, Saevus is back scavenging on the battlefields of small conflicts with his team of war equipment recyclers. However, rumours of a much bigger war are circulating and it may be time for the small scale operators to stay safe and keep out of the way for a while. In addition, the almost PTSD that Saevus suffers from due to the incident in book 1 that led him to leave his privileged youthful life takes centre stage again as people from that past reappear. And to my surprise Love emerges as a major theme. I’ve noted in other KJ Parker books that if it’s recognised at all it’s often as a great evil - the pleasure you may get from it can be easily outweighed by despair from its sudden loss. There is an element of that view here but this is the nearest to a romance that I recall in a KJ Parker novel. Even a dash of sex (“…I made rather a hash of it, but she didn’t seem to mind. It’s the thought that counts, she told me.”).
The plot is epic in its scope, with Saevus witnessing major events while dealing with his personal issues. There’s a lot of warfare, though not much witnessed first hand, often more the tragic aftermath. A dark tone overall with Saevus attempting to plod on with his life though often in a state of resignation as events unfold around him. And his family background really does not help.
I’ve decided anything by KJ Parker is my comfort reading, if not always with a comfortable content. An interesting, unpredictable, convoluted story that makes you think about humanity’s pointless conflicts. This one has less observational wry humour to compensate than some but is an absorbing read. A must for KJ Parker fans.
5* for this and the series.
June 21, 2026
A proper review when I leave the care of the NHS.
Short review... A disappointment as there was no real story to the yarn, merely a book about betrayal is best how to some it up and about moving from a to b through x..... If you enjoy the character Saevus Corax like me, then you'll finish the trilogy and see how it pans out, but.... If he's not your thing then best you avoid this book.
2 stars is all, it's ok
Short review... A disappointment as there was no real story to the yarn, merely a book about betrayal is best how to some it up and about moving from a to b through x..... If you enjoy the character Saevus Corax like me, then you'll finish the trilogy and see how it pans out, but.... If he's not your thing then best you avoid this book.
2 stars is all, it's ok
January 26, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
Saevus Corax Get Away with Murder is the third and final book in the Saevus Corax trilogy, written by K.J. Parker, and published by Orbit Books. A big war is coming, and that means bad news for the stability of Saevus' business; he hopes to get away before all starts, but as usual in the life of our character, soon he's dragged to adventures, as one of the few people from his past reclaim his help: his sister.
Accused of the murder of her husband, she's on the run, desperate for help; Saevus (well, Florian) is her only hope. At this point, you won't be surprised if I tell you this is only the excuse that will take Saevus into a new journey, and even to take one of the "best" employs in the world: treasure hunter; all under the manipulations of his sister, because even after all what he lived, Saevus is a bit naïve. And we even have the return of a beloved character such as the sister Stauracia.
This sequel is partly a continuation, in all the senses, but also the final in Saevus' journey; we maintain the snarky voice and the irony, sprinkling humour into the narration, making it a fun read when you manage to connect with the character. Personally, I loved the development Stauracia had, and I must recognise that Parker made an excellent job at painting the "lovable" family of Saevus.
In comparison with the previous books, I must remark that this one is a bit less light-hearted, leaning towards some really dark moments.
Personally, I found Saevus Corax Get Away with Murder to be the perfect ending for a character I grew fond of it; if you want a different kind of fantasy, you should try the whole trilogy, as K.J. Parker is a master at writing this kind of weird/rare books.
Saevus Corax Get Away with Murder is the third and final book in the Saevus Corax trilogy, written by K.J. Parker, and published by Orbit Books. A big war is coming, and that means bad news for the stability of Saevus' business; he hopes to get away before all starts, but as usual in the life of our character, soon he's dragged to adventures, as one of the few people from his past reclaim his help: his sister.
Accused of the murder of her husband, she's on the run, desperate for help; Saevus (well, Florian) is her only hope. At this point, you won't be surprised if I tell you this is only the excuse that will take Saevus into a new journey, and even to take one of the "best" employs in the world: treasure hunter; all under the manipulations of his sister, because even after all what he lived, Saevus is a bit naïve. And we even have the return of a beloved character such as the sister Stauracia.
This sequel is partly a continuation, in all the senses, but also the final in Saevus' journey; we maintain the snarky voice and the irony, sprinkling humour into the narration, making it a fun read when you manage to connect with the character. Personally, I loved the development Stauracia had, and I must recognise that Parker made an excellent job at painting the "lovable" family of Saevus.
In comparison with the previous books, I must remark that this one is a bit less light-hearted, leaning towards some really dark moments.
Personally, I found Saevus Corax Get Away with Murder to be the perfect ending for a character I grew fond of it; if you want a different kind of fantasy, you should try the whole trilogy, as K.J. Parker is a master at writing this kind of weird/rare books.
December 9, 2023
The story of Saevus Corax comes to an end with this third volume in the series.
As you might expect, it does come back to his family, the royal family that he's been fleeing all his life and that wants him dead. It plays out, however, in an unexpected fashion.
There's still plenty of humor and sarcasm in it, but there is gradual, inexorable movement towards a bittersweet ending. This series is so cynical that you know you're not going to get rainbows and unicorns at the end.
Some people don't like startling, unexpected endings. The question to ask is: Is the ending appropriate to the story? Is it authentic to what came before? And in this case, yes, it is. Many books don't have endings we want, but we remember them because they have the endings that, in hindsight, are right for the story. That's what we have here.
But it was a fun ride while it lasted.
As you might expect, it does come back to his family, the royal family that he's been fleeing all his life and that wants him dead. It plays out, however, in an unexpected fashion.
There's still plenty of humor and sarcasm in it, but there is gradual, inexorable movement towards a bittersweet ending. This series is so cynical that you know you're not going to get rainbows and unicorns at the end.
Some people don't like startling, unexpected endings. The question to ask is: Is the ending appropriate to the story? Is it authentic to what came before? And in this case, yes, it is. Many books don't have endings we want, but we remember them because they have the endings that, in hindsight, are right for the story. That's what we have here.
But it was a fun ride while it lasted.
December 11, 2024
Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder is the third and final book in this series. Saevus allows his sister to deftly manipulate him with unforeseen consequences. For Saevus he will do anything for familial love but Saevus's family is like no other and he is about to feel what it is like to be on the receiving end of betrayal, done in style.
Through this action, we see the fragility of Saevus's true personality. As for the ending, just wow, didn't see it coming and felt for Saevus. The complete soul-crushing impact of betrayal after betrayal on a person. We see how these events essentially rob Saevus of his humanity and love to become a lost and cynical shell of a man.
The worldbuilding is cleverly done, rich but not overwhelming, often told through small clever bits of Philosophy and history. Saevus remains his usual self, full of cynical sardonic humour. There is some grim violence, mixed with lighthearted adventure.
For me, Parker yet again delivers another masterful trilogy in style, writes like no one else, and gives unexpected endings.
Through this action, we see the fragility of Saevus's true personality. As for the ending, just wow, didn't see it coming and felt for Saevus. The complete soul-crushing impact of betrayal after betrayal on a person. We see how these events essentially rob Saevus of his humanity and love to become a lost and cynical shell of a man.
The worldbuilding is cleverly done, rich but not overwhelming, often told through small clever bits of Philosophy and history. Saevus remains his usual self, full of cynical sardonic humour. There is some grim violence, mixed with lighthearted adventure.
For me, Parker yet again delivers another masterful trilogy in style, writes like no one else, and gives unexpected endings.
January 9, 2024
OW. We have reached the end of Saevus’ story and man. It was fun reading but ouchie painful.
August 30, 2024
Love this author, love this series. Finally a happy ending! Sort of.
October 30, 2024
Люблю стиль и ч/ю Паркера, но длинные отступления-монологи ГГ иногда утомляли. Ну и концовка слегка вогнала в тоску :(
November 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I laughed, I cried, I haven't stopped thinking about it for days. What a bittersweet but satisfying ending to one of my favorite new series. These could technically work as standalones, they don't have cliffhangers, but I highly recommend reading them all and in order for maximum impact. They're all releasing back-to-back-to-back, so you really have no excuse.
Saevus Corax (aka one of my favorite characters of all time) and his crew of battlefield salvagers are back, but this time The Big War TM is imminent, and he's feeling a little melancholic. Is this really all he should be doing with his life? Has the day finally come when his lack of a moral code has caught up with him?
This installment is still hilarious like the other two, full of biting satire and hijinks, but it manages to give trauma, repression, and complicated family relationships/friendships/romance equal weight. The ending to this series felt very fitting, but also genuinely shocked me. Like, I screamed. Out loud. And then cried and stared at the wall for a few hours. But I promise, I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
If you like absurd books with unreliable narrators, fourth wall breaks, medieval adventure, sarcasm, moral ambiguity, commentary on the bleakness of the human condition, but also humor, romance, and incredible world-building, please read these. And then come talk to me, because I am not ok. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, & the author for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I laughed, I cried, I haven't stopped thinking about it for days. What a bittersweet but satisfying ending to one of my favorite new series. These could technically work as standalones, they don't have cliffhangers, but I highly recommend reading them all and in order for maximum impact. They're all releasing back-to-back-to-back, so you really have no excuse.
Saevus Corax (aka one of my favorite characters of all time) and his crew of battlefield salvagers are back, but this time The Big War TM is imminent, and he's feeling a little melancholic. Is this really all he should be doing with his life? Has the day finally come when his lack of a moral code has caught up with him?
This installment is still hilarious like the other two, full of biting satire and hijinks, but it manages to give trauma, repression, and complicated family relationships/friendships/romance equal weight. The ending to this series felt very fitting, but also genuinely shocked me. Like, I screamed. Out loud. And then cried and stared at the wall for a few hours. But I promise, I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
If you like absurd books with unreliable narrators, fourth wall breaks, medieval adventure, sarcasm, moral ambiguity, commentary on the bleakness of the human condition, but also humor, romance, and incredible world-building, please read these. And then come talk to me, because I am not ok. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, & the author for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2024
Probably the best one of the Saevus books, but the author had a few missed opportunities that I’m really surprised his agent or editor didn’t tell him to include. Namely, around the number of actions and fights that take place while Saevus is blacked out or blindfolded and bound. One of the biggest plot points in all of the books happened while he was asleep. Things like that really need to be shown to be the reader, especially if there’s supposed to be any emotional response, as was expected after this one. It made me feel a little cheated having stayed with the series for so long and then to not have THE big fight scene (not in terms of size but importance to the plot), only the aftermath of it.
Overall, the series got a little tiresome and predictable. I also think that this series is overrated in the world-building department. There was never a moment in which I could tell you more about the world than what Saevus had just info-dumped to me the page before. It’s the end of the series and all I remember is Sashan is like the Roman Empire and they fight someone else in this book. I can’t even tell you more than a handful of character names other than Saevus. How can it be good world building if the world isn’t remembered or understood without info dumps?
Overall, the series got a little tiresome and predictable. I also think that this series is overrated in the world-building department. There was never a moment in which I could tell you more about the world than what Saevus had just info-dumped to me the page before. It’s the end of the series and all I remember is Sashan is like the Roman Empire and they fight someone else in this book. I can’t even tell you more than a handful of character names other than Saevus. How can it be good world building if the world isn’t remembered or understood without info dumps?
December 18, 2024
Quick, enjoyable read, with one the most likeable (if frustrating) anti-hero MCs I've ever seen. I enjoyed the chaos and pacing of the book, and definitely laughed out loud at some parts, especially at the wry (and dry) sense of humour of the MC. Sadly, I can't say the ending was too happy (nor was it particularly bad, but still), which felt very fitting for the series but always upsets me, the delicate little flower that I am. Would still recommend the series for sure though!
January 31, 2024
Really loved the conclusion of this series. Saevus Corax does finally get what he deserves, sort of. No spoilers but worth reading from book 1.
December 3, 2024
I received a copy of Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder from Hachette Australia to review.
One of the masters of comedic fantasy, K. J. Parker, ends his fantastic Corax trilogy on an outstanding note with Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder.
After years of schemes, daring cons, an unwilling coronation and other unfortunate adventures, Saevus Corax is still stuck doing the only job he’s good at, battlefield salvage. Unglamourous and often disgusting work, it provides a basic living for his large crew of outcasts and rogues as they tour their world’s many scattered battlefields, rescuing and repurposing everything they can recover from the dead. However, Corax’s band are about to encounter the only thing that can make their business unprofitable, a massive total war that threatens to burn the entire continent.
Seeing the signs of upcoming mass conflict, Corax and his crew attempt to flee to safer climates where they can still potentially make a living. However, Corax finds his plan to escape thwarted by the family he has long tried to run away from. His sister, Phantis, has finally caught up with him, but instead of the vengeance she always promised, she needs his help to survive a coup gone bad. Despite his reluctance to get involved, Corax attempts to help, only to get dragged into even more danger.
Soon, with war coming closer and various factions seeking to kill him and claim the many bounties on his head, Corax is forced into one final scheme to get enough money to retire and escape from everything. Reuniting with his old flame, the beautiful con artist Stauracia, Corax attempts to find a long-lost treasure that could solve all his problems. But with betrayal coming from all sides, can Corax survive the chaos to come, or has he finally encountered a situation that even he cannot think his way out of?
Parker continues to showcase why he is the master of hilarious fantasy fiction, as Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder was another amazing read with a captivating and unique plot behind it. Masterfully wrapping up the Corax trilogy with a dark and entertaining story, Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder had me hooked the entire way through and, just like all the other books in the series, it gets a full five-star rating from me.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/12/03/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
One of the masters of comedic fantasy, K. J. Parker, ends his fantastic Corax trilogy on an outstanding note with Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder.
After years of schemes, daring cons, an unwilling coronation and other unfortunate adventures, Saevus Corax is still stuck doing the only job he’s good at, battlefield salvage. Unglamourous and often disgusting work, it provides a basic living for his large crew of outcasts and rogues as they tour their world’s many scattered battlefields, rescuing and repurposing everything they can recover from the dead. However, Corax’s band are about to encounter the only thing that can make their business unprofitable, a massive total war that threatens to burn the entire continent.
Seeing the signs of upcoming mass conflict, Corax and his crew attempt to flee to safer climates where they can still potentially make a living. However, Corax finds his plan to escape thwarted by the family he has long tried to run away from. His sister, Phantis, has finally caught up with him, but instead of the vengeance she always promised, she needs his help to survive a coup gone bad. Despite his reluctance to get involved, Corax attempts to help, only to get dragged into even more danger.
Soon, with war coming closer and various factions seeking to kill him and claim the many bounties on his head, Corax is forced into one final scheme to get enough money to retire and escape from everything. Reuniting with his old flame, the beautiful con artist Stauracia, Corax attempts to find a long-lost treasure that could solve all his problems. But with betrayal coming from all sides, can Corax survive the chaos to come, or has he finally encountered a situation that even he cannot think his way out of?
Parker continues to showcase why he is the master of hilarious fantasy fiction, as Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder was another amazing read with a captivating and unique plot behind it. Masterfully wrapping up the Corax trilogy with a dark and entertaining story, Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder had me hooked the entire way through and, just like all the other books in the series, it gets a full five-star rating from me.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/12/03/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 6, 2024
Corax's sister--the sister responsible for the massive bounty on his head for the last two decades--begs him to save her from the just consequences of murdering her husband for fun and profit. As is the custom, Corax stumbles into contact with Stauracia and taps previously unknown frenemies for favors. And the trilogy--which I'd been describing as decent but not Parker's best work--comes to a conclusion that absolutely floored me.
Corax Gets Away With Murder takes its sweet time getting to the Murder of the title, but the Murder itself is tectonic. As is his reason for committing Murder. As is the Murder's fallout.
I three- and four-starred the first two books of the trilogy. I did not yet understand that all three books are verrry gradually building towards one explosive moment, one event, that makes all the ambling worthwhile. Five star book, five star trilogy.
The last page:
Corax Gets Away With Murder takes its sweet time getting to the Murder of the title, but the Murder itself is tectonic. As is his reason for committing Murder. As is the Murder's fallout.
I three- and four-starred the first two books of the trilogy. I did not yet understand that all three books are verrry gradually building towards one explosive moment, one event, that makes all the ambling worthwhile. Five star book, five star trilogy.
The last page:
October 27, 2024
In this last entry in highly enjoyable “Saevus Corax” trilogy, all the things Saevus has been running from since we first met him on a battlefield post-battle catch up with him in a big way.
The novel opens much as the previous two: After mopping up after a battle, the team heads to a town where Sarvus knows they can sell their salvage and have some downtime. They hear rumours of war, and Saevus begins thinking of where to take the team to hole up while the Sashan and their enemy beat the crap out of each other and anyone caught between them.
Then, Saevus receives a letter from Phantis, his sister. She appeals to him to save her as there are people who want to kill her. Knowing getting tangled up with her mess will negatively affect his team, he divests himself of some of his responsibilities then heads out.
When the siblings reunite, Saevus discovers Phantis has a price on her head for the little inconsequential reason of murdering her husband, a duke. He also finds out that she knew where to find him because a woman had come to her Court with news of the salvager. I immediately figured who this woman was, and was so happy to have my suspicions confirmed when Stauracia makes her appearance later in the narrative. (She is also the only woman Saevus knows who’s a match for his knowledge, strategic thinking and sheer deviousness.)
Phantis has a strange relationship with her brother: on the one hand, she can’t forgive Saevus, or Florian, for killing their brilliant brother, but she also needs Saevus to save her.
Saevus does a lot of running around the land, trying to stay a step ahead of Phantis’ problems and his own, and each time, he sheds a little bit more of his salvager trappings. He also gets pulled into a treasure hunt, must contend with kidnappings, marauding troops once the war kicks off, and the biggest surprise to himself, though not to the reader if they’ve been paying attention to the wry, often blackly funny narration of the ever resourceful Saevus since book one, love.
And, while there is danger, multiple deaths, and duplicity everywhere, author K.J. Parker gives Saevus a few moments of genuine happiness, interesting conversations, and resolutions to situations mentioned in the previous two books, before Saevus actually gets to get away with murder.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and its protagonist. His cynicism but also care for those he chose to surround himself with, his wit and near encyclopedic knowledge of different peoples, cultures, histories and lands were strangely endearing, and though where he ends up by the end is a little tragic, it is also oddly perfect, and a great way to wrap up this satisfying and entertaining book and trilogy.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The novel opens much as the previous two: After mopping up after a battle, the team heads to a town where Sarvus knows they can sell their salvage and have some downtime. They hear rumours of war, and Saevus begins thinking of where to take the team to hole up while the Sashan and their enemy beat the crap out of each other and anyone caught between them.
Then, Saevus receives a letter from Phantis, his sister. She appeals to him to save her as there are people who want to kill her. Knowing getting tangled up with her mess will negatively affect his team, he divests himself of some of his responsibilities then heads out.
When the siblings reunite, Saevus discovers Phantis has a price on her head for the little inconsequential reason of murdering her husband, a duke. He also finds out that she knew where to find him because a woman had come to her Court with news of the salvager. I immediately figured who this woman was, and was so happy to have my suspicions confirmed when Stauracia makes her appearance later in the narrative. (She is also the only woman Saevus knows who’s a match for his knowledge, strategic thinking and sheer deviousness.)
Phantis has a strange relationship with her brother: on the one hand, she can’t forgive Saevus, or Florian, for killing their brilliant brother, but she also needs Saevus to save her.
Saevus does a lot of running around the land, trying to stay a step ahead of Phantis’ problems and his own, and each time, he sheds a little bit more of his salvager trappings. He also gets pulled into a treasure hunt, must contend with kidnappings, marauding troops once the war kicks off, and the biggest surprise to himself, though not to the reader if they’ve been paying attention to the wry, often blackly funny narration of the ever resourceful Saevus since book one, love.
And, while there is danger, multiple deaths, and duplicity everywhere, author K.J. Parker gives Saevus a few moments of genuine happiness, interesting conversations, and resolutions to situations mentioned in the previous two books, before Saevus actually gets to get away with murder.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and its protagonist. His cynicism but also care for those he chose to surround himself with, his wit and near encyclopedic knowledge of different peoples, cultures, histories and lands were strangely endearing, and though where he ends up by the end is a little tragic, it is also oddly perfect, and a great way to wrap up this satisfying and entertaining book and trilogy.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 3, 2023
What misadventure will Saevus get into in the newest Saevus Corax adventure?!
What happens when your sister…who has been paying for years to have you brought to her dead or alive needs your help? This is what Saevus deals with as he bumbles his way through another adventure.
Parker has always had a way of writing Saevus that is funny and a bit self deprecating, but you can tell his bravado covers a heart and someone who deeply cares for those around him. So it’s not surprise when his sister comes calling he answers.
The characters we have come to know and love shine in this conclusion to the series. I’m truly sad to see this is the end, but it was a well done finale to the series.
What happens when your sister…who has been paying for years to have you brought to her dead or alive needs your help? This is what Saevus deals with as he bumbles his way through another adventure.
Parker has always had a way of writing Saevus that is funny and a bit self deprecating, but you can tell his bravado covers a heart and someone who deeply cares for those around him. So it’s not surprise when his sister comes calling he answers.
The characters we have come to know and love shine in this conclusion to the series. I’m truly sad to see this is the end, but it was a well done finale to the series.
October 25, 2024
Normally with series like this I like to read them all together, back to back, but I wish I hadn't done that this time. 'Gets Away With Murder' is good for the same reason that the other two are good (fast paced, deadpan narrator, irreverent tone etc) but it's basically the same story of "curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal" over and over again and I'm a bit done with it by the end of three in a row.
May 8, 2024
Tom Holt writing as K.J.Parker
Saevus Corax has a sister. For years she’s been trying to have him killed by putting a 70,000 staurata bounty on his head, but now she’s in trouble for killing her husband, so who does she turn to? Yes, that’s right. And Saevus, while not entirely falling for it, rises to the bait.
Saevus Corax has a sister. For years she’s been trying to have him killed by putting a 70,000 staurata bounty on his head, but now she’s in trouble for killing her husband, so who does she turn to? Yes, that’s right. And Saevus, while not entirely falling for it, rises to the bait.
July 8, 2024
This is the last book in the trilogy about Saevus Corax. This book picked up the pace and was as fun as the first book.
Saevus was an unreliable narrator and it made half the fun of reading this book. :) The constant intrigue was great as always. The slow parts are when Saevus has too much free time and starts to bore me with his inner monologue. But then the action would begin again...
Saevus was an unreliable narrator and it made half the fun of reading this book. :) The constant intrigue was great as always. The slow parts are when Saevus has too much free time and starts to bore me with his inner monologue. But then the action would begin again...
January 5, 2024
Casi 2 estrellas. Definitivamente no de los mejores libros de K. J. Parker.
Reseña completa en mi blog ^w^:
https://elultimopuente2.wordpress.com...
Reseña completa en mi blog ^w^:
https://elultimopuente2.wordpress.com...
January 6, 2025
I feel like I have found a new must-read author. KJ Parker is absolutely brilliant. This book was a great conclusion to the Corax trilogy. I will definitely be reading more Parker in the future
March 12, 2026
Really lost the spark from the first book. Story drags, writing lacks the Parker punch and the ending just felt sad.
February 25, 2025
A maudlin end to a wonderful trilogy.
November 26, 2023
The third and final (?) installment in the trilogy takes us on Saevus's latest adventure, and helps tie up a lot of loose ends we got exposed to in the first two books. The story begins with Saevus and his crew encountering the former's sister. One things leads to another, and Saevus embarks on an adventure of global proportions, meeting many characters we learned to love (and hate), learning even more about these characters, and surviving another war.
I actually loved this book, and it's a fitting and awe-inspiring finish to a fantastic trilogy. While this installment is perhaps lighter on the banter, the wanton violence, and lighthearted adventure, it makes up for all of it by taking a more serious note and laying bare Saevus's personality. We see the soul crushing impact of betrayal after betrayal on a person who is essentially good and kind. We see how these events essentially rob a person of the belief in kindness and love, and make him into a cynical and lost human being. We also see how one can slide into nihilism and dejection, going on due to inertia alone.
The potent psychological dismemberment of the protagonist in this book does the whole trilogy justice. It makes it hang together as more than just frivolity, and while it continues to have some levity, it also makes you think and feel, leaving the experience of reading the books marked by them, and considering human resilience in the face of betrayal and loss.
The only thing that I perhaps struggled with is the pacing of the book. It felt rushed at times, as if the author was just trying to get to the point, without letting the true impact of events sink in. In this way, the book was perhaps less balanced and cohesive than its predecessors.
Either way, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves grim dark (especially when it is veiled in something more frivolous), folks who want to read about heroes and anti-heroes regardless of their love for fantasy (after all, there is nothing fantastic in this book), and readers who enjoy an author who makes playful use of language and humour to tell what is essentially a tragic story. This third book makes the entire trilogy stand out for me as among the best I read in the genre (and, again, I really do struggle to call this fantasy!).
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I actually loved this book, and it's a fitting and awe-inspiring finish to a fantastic trilogy. While this installment is perhaps lighter on the banter, the wanton violence, and lighthearted adventure, it makes up for all of it by taking a more serious note and laying bare Saevus's personality. We see the soul crushing impact of betrayal after betrayal on a person who is essentially good and kind. We see how these events essentially rob a person of the belief in kindness and love, and make him into a cynical and lost human being. We also see how one can slide into nihilism and dejection, going on due to inertia alone.
The potent psychological dismemberment of the protagonist in this book does the whole trilogy justice. It makes it hang together as more than just frivolity, and while it continues to have some levity, it also makes you think and feel, leaving the experience of reading the books marked by them, and considering human resilience in the face of betrayal and loss.
The only thing that I perhaps struggled with is the pacing of the book. It felt rushed at times, as if the author was just trying to get to the point, without letting the true impact of events sink in. In this way, the book was perhaps less balanced and cohesive than its predecessors.
Either way, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves grim dark (especially when it is veiled in something more frivolous), folks who want to read about heroes and anti-heroes regardless of their love for fantasy (after all, there is nothing fantastic in this book), and readers who enjoy an author who makes playful use of language and humour to tell what is essentially a tragic story. This third book makes the entire trilogy stand out for me as among the best I read in the genre (and, again, I really do struggle to call this fantasy!).
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
Oh boy I didn't expected this ending. It is fitting in various way, almost logical given Saevus' story, but it still surprised me. I'm quite sad for him and how things envolved, though his situation is, in a way, not that bad.
I think I liked book three nearly as much as book one. Not that I didn't like book 2, but there is some elements of novelty and resolution in the final book that clearly shape my mind and my feelings about it. The whole series is great.
We find Saevus once again doing his job, until his sister finds him and asks for his help. How much I wanted him to turn her down. She does a good antagonist all in all. With other stuff happening around, Saevus is forced to change the life he had found until then, every thing scambeling around him. He still manages to find a spark of happyness in all of it, which was sort of a relief given his dreadful life. He isn't such a bad guy as he portrays himslef, nor is he a good one. He is human, with a heavy life on his shoulder. Sometimes smart, sometimes stupid.
The tone used to tell the story clearly helps to bring some fun into it, with really funny moments, others more touching. There is a kind of distanciation from Saevus part that I find really relatable in a weird way.
The worldbuilding is cleverly done to my taste, really rich but not overwhelming. Sure, some moment are a bit long, we don't need every bit of information given to us, but those helps to hide some clues and also create an atmosphere of intimacy with what's going on in Saevus' head (even though he is good at lying).
Conclusion : a good wrap up of the story, where Saevus can't run out anymore, and a fitting ending to his story (my romantic heart is sad, but the more logical one is rather satisfied).
I think I liked book three nearly as much as book one. Not that I didn't like book 2, but there is some elements of novelty and resolution in the final book that clearly shape my mind and my feelings about it. The whole series is great.
We find Saevus once again doing his job, until his sister finds him and asks for his help. How much I wanted him to turn her down. She does a good antagonist all in all. With other stuff happening around, Saevus is forced to change the life he had found until then, every thing scambeling around him. He still manages to find a spark of happyness in all of it, which was sort of a relief given his dreadful life. He isn't such a bad guy as he portrays himslef, nor is he a good one. He is human, with a heavy life on his shoulder. Sometimes smart, sometimes stupid.
The tone used to tell the story clearly helps to bring some fun into it, with really funny moments, others more touching. There is a kind of distanciation from Saevus part that I find really relatable in a weird way.
The worldbuilding is cleverly done to my taste, really rich but not overwhelming. Sure, some moment are a bit long, we don't need every bit of information given to us, but those helps to hide some clues and also create an atmosphere of intimacy with what's going on in Saevus' head (even though he is good at lying).
Conclusion : a good wrap up of the story, where Saevus can't run out anymore, and a fitting ending to his story (my romantic heart is sad, but the more logical one is rather satisfied).
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