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Low Town #3.5
The Soft Touch
Time passes.
Kings fall.
Low Town endures.
Low Town is the worst slum in the Empire, where lives are sold on the penny. Once its heir apparent, Wren returns after fifteen years to a city in turmoil, the syndicates feuding and the city on the brink of rebellion. Drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and murder, Wren finds himself the pawn in a conspiracy threatening to drive the Empire to war.
But all is not as it seems. Because Wren was trained by the most brilliant crime lord that ever lived—and he's come back to Low Town to find him.
Kings fall.
Low Town endures.
Low Town is the worst slum in the Empire, where lives are sold on the penny. Once its heir apparent, Wren returns after fifteen years to a city in turmoil, the syndicates feuding and the city on the brink of rebellion. Drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and murder, Wren finds himself the pawn in a conspiracy threatening to drive the Empire to war.
But all is not as it seems. Because Wren was trained by the most brilliant crime lord that ever lived—and he's come back to Low Town to find him.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Daniel Polansky
29 books1,285 followersDaniel Polansky is the author of the Low Town trilogy, Empty Throne duology, the Hugo-nominated novella The Builders, and A City Dreaming. He can be found in Los Angeles, mostly.
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May 14, 2026
This is described as a novella - whether it's technically a novella (fewer than 40,000 words) or just a short book, I don't know. I feel it must be nearly a book...
Anyway, I was a big fan of the Low Town trilogy. I think you could read this on its own, but I very much enjoyed its connections to the original.
The main character (who is the point of view for almost the entire book - I think we slip away from him very briefly) is Wren Gustav. Wren is returning to Low Town after an absence of 15 years. Fifteen years is also the time elapsed since the first Low Town book was published, and it's easy to imagine that many of Wren's thoughts and feelings on returning the city are in some manner projections of Polansky's own on returning to the subject.
So, we get a lot of the old Low Town vibe: drugs, criminal gangs, royalty, mages, the Black House and its secret agents and less secret police force. And that's all good fun. Wren is also fun. We get to see him rediscovering the place, and he's the one using the eponymous Soft Touch, albeit 'soft' only in comparison to the Low Town norm. But he does seem super-competent and to have some overarching plan, and it's nice to see him mess with these hardened criminals and devious agents.
There's also a peace deal with the empire's long-term enemy being signed, along with various objections and shenanigans, and uncertain tie ins to Wren's business.
Two random items I noticed and enjoyed were:
i) Long list-descriptions of the city that went on almost comically long but were entertaining in their variety.
ii) Wren repeatedly slows the pace and has philosophical discussions with probably six different major players wherein both sides lay out their thoughts on humanity in general, in the peace process, in the nature of peace, etc etc. These are fun and thoughtful, though perhaps more of an authorial indulgence than the likely product of such interactions. Wren's upbeat optimism takes a battering but he does cling pretty tightly to his faith in people as a whole.
And one point of confusion:
Who the hell is Samhael? This character popped up in a way that made me think he must have been introduced earlier and then that bit had been cut in an edit...
It's a relatively short tale, and with the main character being one of the mysteries we get to unravel, it does mean that there are impediments to the growing of emotional bonds between reader and character, which in turn means I was perhaps less invested in the outcome than I might have been.
In the end there are a number of twists, some more satisfying than others.
Overall, I'm reminded once more that Polansky is an excellent writer, and that it's sad we've not seen more of his work.
I had a good time reading this and I'm sure that other Low Town devotees will too. It may even lead more readers down the path to the original trilogy to enjoy its thrill and spills!
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June 29, 2026Peaky Blinders meets Priest of Bones.
The heir apparent returns after fifteen years to a city in turmoil, the worst slum in the Empire.
This isn’t action-heavy, but introduces you to a tangled web of intrigue and murder, with a clever protagonist sporting morally grey values and questionable ambitions.
“I don't like doing business with people I don't know.”
“My favorite color is red,” said Wren, “I prefer sunrises to sunsets, I've been in love twice with one ending very badly, I am an excellent cook, and I have to read a book for twenty minutes before I can fall asleep, no matter how late it is or what else I've done that day. Any other questions?”
I was kept on my toes trying to guess who was going to backstab who, as well as trying to work out the end goal for our protagonist.
I know this is a novella, but I wish we got more descriptions of the city, the larger Empire, and the minor mentions of magic.
I have not read Low Town by the author yet, but consider me intrigued, especially as I recently binged the Priest of Bones quartet and this gives me similar vibes.
Arc gifted by Grimdark Magazine.
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The heir apparent returns after fifteen years to a city in turmoil, the worst slum in the Empire.
This isn’t action-heavy, but introduces you to a tangled web of intrigue and murder, with a clever protagonist sporting morally grey values and questionable ambitions.
“I don't like doing business with people I don't know.”
“My favorite color is red,” said Wren, “I prefer sunrises to sunsets, I've been in love twice with one ending very badly, I am an excellent cook, and I have to read a book for twenty minutes before I can fall asleep, no matter how late it is or what else I've done that day. Any other questions?”
I was kept on my toes trying to guess who was going to backstab who, as well as trying to work out the end goal for our protagonist.
I know this is a novella, but I wish we got more descriptions of the city, the larger Empire, and the minor mentions of magic.
I have not read Low Town by the author yet, but consider me intrigued, especially as I recently binged the Priest of Bones quartet and this gives me similar vibes.
Arc gifted by Grimdark Magazine.
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July 4, 2026
I really enjoyed The Soft Touch. Returning to Low Town fifteen years after Wren left felt like stepping back into a familiar place that had continued to evolve in his absence. The city is in turmoil, with rival criminal factions battling for power and political tensions threatening to boil over into open conflict, creating a constant sense of instability and danger.
Wren was easily the highlight for me. Rather than solving problems through brute force, he relies on intelligence, charm, and manipulation, which makes him a refreshing protagonist. As the former protégé of one of Low Town’s most influential crime figures, he finds himself pulled into a tangled web of murders, conspiracies, and shifting loyalties while searching for the man who once trained him. I particularly enjoyed how that personal quest gradually uncovers connections between the criminal power struggle and a much larger political conspiracy.
What stood out most was Polansky’s ability to blend grimdark fantasy with noir crime fiction. The story is driven by intrigue, dialogue, and clever maneuvering rather than constant action, and I found that made the world feel even more believable. Wren’s moral ambiguity adds another layer of complexity; he’s not always likable, but he’s always interesting.
While longtime fans of the Low Town books will probably get the most out of the setting and references, I think the novella works well on its own. For me, The Soft Touch delivered exactly what I want from a story like this: a fascinating protagonist, a city full of secrets, and a plot where every alliance feels temporary and every revelation raises the stakes.
Wren was easily the highlight for me. Rather than solving problems through brute force, he relies on intelligence, charm, and manipulation, which makes him a refreshing protagonist. As the former protégé of one of Low Town’s most influential crime figures, he finds himself pulled into a tangled web of murders, conspiracies, and shifting loyalties while searching for the man who once trained him. I particularly enjoyed how that personal quest gradually uncovers connections between the criminal power struggle and a much larger political conspiracy.
What stood out most was Polansky’s ability to blend grimdark fantasy with noir crime fiction. The story is driven by intrigue, dialogue, and clever maneuvering rather than constant action, and I found that made the world feel even more believable. Wren’s moral ambiguity adds another layer of complexity; he’s not always likable, but he’s always interesting.
While longtime fans of the Low Town books will probably get the most out of the setting and references, I think the novella works well on its own. For me, The Soft Touch delivered exactly what I want from a story like this: a fascinating protagonist, a city full of secrets, and a plot where every alliance feels temporary and every revelation raises the stakes.
July 19, 2026
The Soft Touch is a standalone novella that takes place after the events of the Low Town trilogy. This is a series that I have occasionally heard mentioned on certain fantasy reader Facebook groups. The consensus seems to be that these books are criminally underrated grimdark excellence. I have previously written reviews for Grimdark Magazine, and I like to keep an eye on their novella line, as it has released some excellent books such as Richard Swan's The Scour and Essa Hansen's Casthen Gain. So, when Grimdark Magazine sent me a copy of The Soft Touch in exchange for an honest review, it seemed like an intriguing way to get a taste of Polansky's gritty and brutal low fantasy world. My previous affiliation with Grimdark Magazine and the fact that I still very infrequently write reviews for them has not impacted my views of this novella.
At 224 pages in length, The Soft Touch is a self-contained tale that follows Wren. Wren is a mysterious, intelligent, and charismatic stranger who has returned to Low Town after a fifteen-year absence. Who he is or how he is affiliated with Low Town society or its criminal underbelly is uncertain to both the reader and the many people and factions that Wren crosses paths with. One thing that seems to be certain is that dead bodies lie in the wake wherever he steps. The cast is quite sizable for a short story and features street urchins, members of numerous gangs, government officials, drunks and killers. The premise reminded me of Peter McLean's Priest of Bones.
The Soft Touch features numerous different engagements, lots of dialogue, and many moments of people underestimating, getting outsmarted by, or being confused by Wren (his plans and motives). There are some very clever and witty exchanges which are enjoyable. These include long sections of speech without any dialogue tags. The effect, I imagine, is to create a sense of realism and grittiness, and this normally works out okay without any confusion.
For the most part, I enjoyed Polansky's writing. Some moments feature long lists, such as reporting all the dwellers and inhabitants in Low Town, giving a sense of how heaving Low Town is. There are frequent deep and philosophical nuggets that are satisfying. In addition, Polansky's use of imagery is high quality, enhancing the mood of the scenes. One moment I particularly enjoyed was 'a corner of the room, empty until this point, twisted suddenly to reveal _______ looking extremely displeased'.
As discussed previously, I am a fan of Grimdark Magazine's novella line. Unfortunately, this may be the first time that the novella length has not worked in the story's favour. During a confrontation near the end, I could not help feeling that I had either missed something or that the significance of this moment had not been fully developed. Therefore, it did not hit with the emotional punch it could have. Furthermore, a couple of twists just seemed to come out of nowhere. Potentially, there was not enough groundwork or page time with the relevant characters for me to be affected emotionally by these events. These aspects did significantly impact my reading enjoyment.
Despite those criticisms aired above, the ending was satisfying and there was a pleasing reunion (with a bit of a curveball incorporated). I feel my reading experience would have been enhanced greatly by knowledge of the trilogy, but I am afraid there is not enough here to make me want to pick it up. Interestingly, it is implied that a main character from the Low Town trilogy is an important influence on Wren. Concerning Wren, I think he was a fine grimdark lead character, arguably a bit too competent, and he did have some convenient hidden tricks and talents that came into play towards The Soft Touch's finishing stages. Overall, all points considered and overall reading experience rated, I award The Soft Touch a 6/10.
At 224 pages in length, The Soft Touch is a self-contained tale that follows Wren. Wren is a mysterious, intelligent, and charismatic stranger who has returned to Low Town after a fifteen-year absence. Who he is or how he is affiliated with Low Town society or its criminal underbelly is uncertain to both the reader and the many people and factions that Wren crosses paths with. One thing that seems to be certain is that dead bodies lie in the wake wherever he steps. The cast is quite sizable for a short story and features street urchins, members of numerous gangs, government officials, drunks and killers. The premise reminded me of Peter McLean's Priest of Bones.
The Soft Touch features numerous different engagements, lots of dialogue, and many moments of people underestimating, getting outsmarted by, or being confused by Wren (his plans and motives). There are some very clever and witty exchanges which are enjoyable. These include long sections of speech without any dialogue tags. The effect, I imagine, is to create a sense of realism and grittiness, and this normally works out okay without any confusion.
For the most part, I enjoyed Polansky's writing. Some moments feature long lists, such as reporting all the dwellers and inhabitants in Low Town, giving a sense of how heaving Low Town is. There are frequent deep and philosophical nuggets that are satisfying. In addition, Polansky's use of imagery is high quality, enhancing the mood of the scenes. One moment I particularly enjoyed was 'a corner of the room, empty until this point, twisted suddenly to reveal _______ looking extremely displeased'.
As discussed previously, I am a fan of Grimdark Magazine's novella line. Unfortunately, this may be the first time that the novella length has not worked in the story's favour. During a confrontation near the end, I could not help feeling that I had either missed something or that the significance of this moment had not been fully developed. Therefore, it did not hit with the emotional punch it could have. Furthermore, a couple of twists just seemed to come out of nowhere. Potentially, there was not enough groundwork or page time with the relevant characters for me to be affected emotionally by these events. These aspects did significantly impact my reading enjoyment.
Despite those criticisms aired above, the ending was satisfying and there was a pleasing reunion (with a bit of a curveball incorporated). I feel my reading experience would have been enhanced greatly by knowledge of the trilogy, but I am afraid there is not enough here to make me want to pick it up. Interestingly, it is implied that a main character from the Low Town trilogy is an important influence on Wren. Concerning Wren, I think he was a fine grimdark lead character, arguably a bit too competent, and he did have some convenient hidden tricks and talents that came into play towards The Soft Touch's finishing stages. Overall, all points considered and overall reading experience rated, I award The Soft Touch a 6/10.
July 5, 2026
Book 3.5 in Daniel Polansky's Low Town series, this novella takes place 15 years following the events of the Low Town trilogy [ Low Town, Tomorrow, the Killing, and She Who Waits]. Wren, the adopted son of the Warden, returns to Low Town to find the Warden. It is a time of turmoil, as peace is at hand, with final negotiations taking place in the city. Wren is involved in all sorts of intrigue, with many players attempting to use Wren, but is he using them? It was great to get another taste of Polansky's world building. I don't remember this from previous books, but I enjoyed the authors stylistic descriptions where sentences are basically lists. For example, from the first page: "Always chaotic, that morning the docks were doubly so, busy not only with the usual cast of fisherman, factors, merchants, sailors, pilots, porters, pickpockets, prostitutes, buskers, beggars, drug dealers, confidence men, three-card monte shufflers, purveyors of religious trinkets, oyster shuckers, chestnut roasters, eel-sellers, off-duty knife boys, members of the city guard and touts, but..." This construction is used throughout the book, to my enjoyment.
While I found the trilogy to be very dark [I said something about needing to get a sum lamp] The Soft Touch is in many ways very optimistic in its outlook. Recommended.
While I found the trilogy to be very dark [I said something about needing to get a sum lamp] The Soft Touch is in many ways very optimistic in its outlook. Recommended.
June 30, 2026
This was a really fun little novella.
In the words of Geraldine, “fucking shit-eating motherfucking cunt.” Which may now be my favourite line in any book I’ve ever read.
The Soft Touch is actually a novella set AFTER the three Low Town books that have already been released.
Of which I have read none.
Yet this is genuinely a really good standalone and has made me want to read the other books in the series given how fun this was.
It felt very much like a Lies of Locke Lamora, infused with far more magic and excessive swearing. Needless to say I was a fan.
We follow Wren, who returns to his old haunts - a charismatic, endearing, and roguish, well, bit of a bastard - through a gang fuelled drug trade, peace talks with a foreign land, and a city wide feud.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for a copy, and thank you to Daniel for letting me read your book ahead of release.
Be sure to check it out!
4.0/5.0
In the words of Geraldine, “fucking shit-eating motherfucking cunt.” Which may now be my favourite line in any book I’ve ever read.
The Soft Touch is actually a novella set AFTER the three Low Town books that have already been released.
Of which I have read none.
Yet this is genuinely a really good standalone and has made me want to read the other books in the series given how fun this was.
It felt very much like a Lies of Locke Lamora, infused with far more magic and excessive swearing. Needless to say I was a fan.
We follow Wren, who returns to his old haunts - a charismatic, endearing, and roguish, well, bit of a bastard - through a gang fuelled drug trade, peace talks with a foreign land, and a city wide feud.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for a copy, and thank you to Daniel for letting me read your book ahead of release.
Be sure to check it out!
4.0/5.0
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Soft Touch is a new novella set in the Low Town universe created by Daniel Polansky, published by Grimdark Magazine. A story that takes us a few decades after the end of the trilogy (but it can be enjoyed as a standalone), showing us the return of Wren to the city of Rigus and how he will have to navigate the complex power equilibrium among local crime bosses and untangle a conspiracy that threatens to derail the truce between the Empire and the Dren, while searching for answers.
Wren is back to Rigus fifteen years after abandoning it, searching for answers about where his father (who was the most brilliant criminal leader of Low City); however, once he puts his feet on Low Town, he will find himself tangled with the crime bosses that are fighting for the control of the slum and drawn into a bigger conspiracy. A task that would be too much for others, but he was raised and trained by the very best; and we will see how he will navigate while painting an accurate portrait of Rigus without even losing the composure.
A story that is partially carried by how well written is Wren as a character; a man of multiple talents that would prefer to avoid violence, just use his wit to exert the soft power and keep the situation controlled, but even in the worst situations, we will see a man that won't lose the smile and the humour. Paired with him, Geraldine is another example of a well introduced character, a perfect complement to Wren, acting as a sort of guide, but also letting us guess that there's more behind the background she has revealed to Wren.
In general, the whole cast of this novella shines with its own light, showing Polansky's ability at crafting memorable characters that perfectly mimic the canvas they are on.
Polansky manages to quickly draw the reader into the setting with a really efficient writing style, painting the setting with a few strokes of the brush and letting the rest of the weight land in the dialogue, which always keeps a rather snappy touch.
The pacing was excellent, making this a fairly quick read, perfect if you want to jump in for a well-crafted adventure.
The Soft Touch is a great grimdark novella, perfect if you are a veteran of the Low Town trilogy or even if you prefer to have a first dive into Polansky's writing; if you are into the darker side of fantasy, you won't be disappointed!
Wren is back to Rigus fifteen years after abandoning it, searching for answers about where his father (who was the most brilliant criminal leader of Low City); however, once he puts his feet on Low Town, he will find himself tangled with the crime bosses that are fighting for the control of the slum and drawn into a bigger conspiracy. A task that would be too much for others, but he was raised and trained by the very best; and we will see how he will navigate while painting an accurate portrait of Rigus without even losing the composure.
A story that is partially carried by how well written is Wren as a character; a man of multiple talents that would prefer to avoid violence, just use his wit to exert the soft power and keep the situation controlled, but even in the worst situations, we will see a man that won't lose the smile and the humour. Paired with him, Geraldine is another example of a well introduced character, a perfect complement to Wren, acting as a sort of guide, but also letting us guess that there's more behind the background she has revealed to Wren.
In general, the whole cast of this novella shines with its own light, showing Polansky's ability at crafting memorable characters that perfectly mimic the canvas they are on.
Polansky manages to quickly draw the reader into the setting with a really efficient writing style, painting the setting with a few strokes of the brush and letting the rest of the weight land in the dialogue, which always keeps a rather snappy touch.
The pacing was excellent, making this a fairly quick read, perfect if you want to jump in for a well-crafted adventure.
The Soft Touch is a great grimdark novella, perfect if you are a veteran of the Low Town trilogy or even if you prefer to have a first dive into Polansky's writing; if you are into the darker side of fantasy, you won't be disappointed!
August 15, 2026
An unexpected continuation of the author’s excellent Low Town trilogy. And this story is just as good as a follow on.
It helps a lot if you’ve read the Low Town trilogy first, centred on The Warden, an unusual crime ‘godfather’ in a slum area of the Empire’s biggest city. Despite being most prominent as a drug dealer he’s surprisingly sympathetic. And the last few pages to the third volume are as compelling an end as I’ve seen for a series.
This new book is set about a generation later, with a mysterious arrival to this same city, and Low Town, who names himself Wren. Again, drug deals seem to be a major factor in his arrival but it goes far beyond that. A lot of plot twists and action too in this relatively short 170 pages.
Some nice set piece dialogue between some of the villains. I wondered at his use of catalogs, usually lists of types of people in a crowd, as a literary device which gave crowd scenes atmosphere, and an almost poetic feel to the prose. Polansky is a fine author.
If you enjoyed the Low Town trilogy (you should read it if you haven’t) then you’ll enjoy this new book too. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this could be the start of a new series!
5*.
It helps a lot if you’ve read the Low Town trilogy first, centred on The Warden, an unusual crime ‘godfather’ in a slum area of the Empire’s biggest city. Despite being most prominent as a drug dealer he’s surprisingly sympathetic. And the last few pages to the third volume are as compelling an end as I’ve seen for a series.
This new book is set about a generation later, with a mysterious arrival to this same city, and Low Town, who names himself Wren. Again, drug deals seem to be a major factor in his arrival but it goes far beyond that. A lot of plot twists and action too in this relatively short 170 pages.
Some nice set piece dialogue between some of the villains. I wondered at his use of catalogs, usually lists of types of people in a crowd, as a literary device which gave crowd scenes atmosphere, and an almost poetic feel to the prose. Polansky is a fine author.
If you enjoyed the Low Town trilogy (you should read it if you haven’t) then you’ll enjoy this new book too. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this could be the start of a new series!
5*.
August 31, 2026
Low Town becomes a high magic environment, people get ventilated in many efficient ways, there are power struggles and protracted job interviews. Plots upon plots within plots. This could actually serve as a decent definition of a grimdark story (and is well-written, too!).
July 19, 2026
So fun to be back. Leaves you wanting more. I like where Polansky took Wren.
July 18, 2026
A little too hope-punk for me after just finishing the primary trilogy, but still a good time.
August 3, 2026
Even though I quite literally just finished the original trilogy late last year, it was fantastic to get back into this world again and be a part of the mayhem that ensued.
Wren had already grown on me alot throughout the original trilogy, and I like him just as much in this book as I did The Warden by the end of She Who Waits. The similarities and differences between Wren and his adoptive father throughout this book were really interesting, with Wren being naturally gifted, well-traveled, seemingly good-natured, yet also being just as much of a sarcastic manipulator as his father was in his hey-day. As to be expected, the side characters stood out, with the best of the bunch being Geraldine and Katarina (who I was shipping with Wren hardcore but obviously that isn't gonna happen now 😭😭). The cameo of The Warden was just short enough to where it doesn't overstay its welcome, but impactful enough to absolutely punch a fella in the gut.
The story itself had me hooked from the start, even though I genuinely don't know how to feel about the ending given that Wren winds up working for the people that killed The Warden. Still, Wren seems to have enough knowledge to play the geopolitical game that is Low Town, but enough integrity to not let himself become undone by it.
I know Daniel Polansky had said he was never returning to Low Town after She Who Waits, yet here we are. Hopefully this means he's willing to break his promise again and continue to deliver peak fantasy noir in this setting
8.75/10
Wren had already grown on me alot throughout the original trilogy, and I like him just as much in this book as I did The Warden by the end of She Who Waits. The similarities and differences between Wren and his adoptive father throughout this book were really interesting, with Wren being naturally gifted, well-traveled, seemingly good-natured, yet also being just as much of a sarcastic manipulator as his father was in his hey-day. As to be expected, the side characters stood out, with the best of the bunch being Geraldine and Katarina (who I was shipping with Wren hardcore but obviously that isn't gonna happen now 😭😭). The cameo of The Warden was just short enough to where it doesn't overstay its welcome, but impactful enough to absolutely punch a fella in the gut.
The story itself had me hooked from the start, even though I genuinely don't know how to feel about the ending given that Wren winds up working for the people that killed The Warden. Still, Wren seems to have enough knowledge to play the geopolitical game that is Low Town, but enough integrity to not let himself become undone by it.
I know Daniel Polansky had said he was never returning to Low Town after She Who Waits, yet here we are. Hopefully this means he's willing to break his promise again and continue to deliver peak fantasy noir in this setting
8.75/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
So good! Could have used some editing and there was a character that seemed like we should have met him before. I would love to read more on this world
July 3, 2026
As I finish “The Soft Touch”, I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face and a feeling of immense satisfaction. I’m a huge fan of all of Daniel Polansky’s works, particularly his “Low Town” trilogy. (Which I’ve read and re-read more times than I can count honestly). But I went into “The Soft Touch” with some apprehension. It’s been a while since the original trilogy, could Mr. Polansky recover the magic of what made those novels so good and special? I needn’t have worried, Mr. Polansky picks back up in “Low Town” without missing a beat! The book take place many years after the events of “She Who Waits” and it’s great to see Low Town, its surrounding areas, and its inhabitants again and what’s become of them in the time since. Just like in the original trilogy, we have amoral characters that you just can’t help but like, intrigues & plans being put into motion, political maneuvering, backstabbing, plot twists, and the mystery of who or what is really behind it all. The returning characters from the original trilogy all shine, and I especially liked the new ones introduced in this book. If you enjoyed the original trilogy, I can guarantee that you’ll enjoy “The Soft Touch”! But the best part? The best thing about “The Soft Touch” is its ending. If you’ve been following the series since its beginning then… this ending is so perfect that just like me, you’ll be smiling as you finish the book. Not only does it end the series perfectly, but it also sets up possible future stories in the world of Low Town that I’d be happy to see!
August 5, 2026
Daniel's descrpitive clean prose & snappy dialogue & banter is insanly addicting in this little novella. I loved the gritty atmosphere, the fleshed out characters & the mystery. Very engaging & love how witty & clever the characters are.
I definitely want more of this story & writing and will be picking up anything Polansky writes. I've never read any of his prior work but must read the trilogy connected to this novella now! Love love love!
I definitely want more of this story & writing and will be picking up anything Polansky writes. I've never read any of his prior work but must read the trilogy connected to this novella now! Love love love!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Check out the FULL, spoiler-filled review at SFF Insiders
The Soft Touch is a hilariously grim novella with enough witty banter and ankle-breaking twists to offer a seditious welcome to the Low Town initiate or a secretive handshake to the returned. This was my first venture into Rigus and Low Town and, frankly, I had no idea what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised to find exceptionally crisp prose and snappy dialogue bursting out of the pages at me. I was taken in within the first few pages by Wren’s clever battle of wits with the rambunctious and lovable Geraldine, who would certainly slit your throat for the right price. I had heard great things about the Low Town trilogy, but I was nervous that I would feel out of place without the background knowledge of the previous books. But rest assured, The Soft Touch is a fantastic place to begin. After the first chapter, I immediately bought the first book in the series (titled Low Town in the US and The Straight Razor Cure in the UK; it was confusing for me too at first, don’t you worry) because I knew I was going to want to read everything Polanksy wrote about this gritty town. And for those of you who have already read the original trilogy, my guess is this will provide an extremely interesting continuation of the Low Town saga, shedding some light on what happened to some of the key characters after She Who Waits.
“Violence betrays a lack of imagination,” he insisted. “And I’m a creative person.”
“I’m going to slit your throat and pull your tongue out the hole.”
“Again, unproductive.”
Again, without the context of the previous books, I don’t know if Wren is a new character, someone only mentioned in passing in the original trilogy, or a main character throughout. But The Soft Touch opens with Wren as our main character. A suave, dapper gentleman returning to Low Town with business to be won and an answer for every question. He appears to effortlessly glide between bloody, warring gangster families, pitting one against the other while he walks out the back, unharmed. When he does need to get his hands dirty, he dispatches his enemies with a surgeon’s efficiency. He quickly meets Geraldine, a dock rat who begins to work in his employ after he slickly maneuvers around some of the deadliest hooligans of Rigus. This novella is set up similar to a heist story, where it quickly becomes evident that Wren has returned to Low Town for a very specific reason and has spent a lot of time planning out all of his moves like a chess master. There were multiple points throughout the book that I felt like I was following Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo as he meticulously pulled the strings necessary to enact his ultimate revenge.
While the beginning of the book seemed fairly straight forward, the last third of the book threw out numerous twists and turns, fakes and jukes that kept me guessing until the very end. Even in the last pages, I expected a very different outcome. I’m really, really hoping that ending was actually the beginning of much more from Polansky in Low Town!
I have to say again, I loved Polansky’s writing style in The Soft Touch. I haven’t read his other works, so I don’t know if this is typical for how he writes or if this was something new he was trying out for this novella. But everything was so clean and fast paced. The way he described characters was perfect. This was one of my favorites:
“Caraway was shorter than Katarina, who was not a tall woman. His uniform was spotless and unbecoming. He looked like a mortician or a tax accountant and seemed in a constant state of constipation. He was as adept a spymaster as anyone living, a stern conductor who didn’t mind making the occasional castrate if it kept the rest of the chorus in harmony.”
None of this, “he was a rotund gentleman with brown hair that looked a little frumpy.” No, we’re getting: a stern conductor who didn’t mind making the occasional castrate if it kept the rest of the chorus in harmony. That’s bloody genius and freaking hilarious. As much as I loved the story and getting to know Wren and Geraldine and the other denizens of Low Town, I couldn’t get enough of HOW Polansky was telling the story. If you’re a fan of quick, snappy prose that just feels refreshing to read, look no further than The Soft Touch.
The last thing I’ll say is Low Town, and Rigus in particular, are terribly gruesome neighborhoods with derelict deviants populating them, forcing the overall atmosphere to be dark and overwhelming. But for as dreary of a place as Low Town is, Wren did a remarkable job shining a ray of hope and light through the smoke-smuggered stars. He was a protagonist who was hard not to cheer for, even after you step back and look at the death and destruction he left in his wake so that he could potentially set himself up to rule a crime syndicate of his own in the future.
“Make everything better is a pretty ambitious goal.”
“Pity the soul who sets his dreams so low as to meet them in his lifetime.”
The Soft Touch made me an immediate fan of Daniel Polanksy. I will be visiting Low Town again in the very near future.
The Soft Touch is a hilariously grim novella with enough witty banter and ankle-breaking twists to offer a seditious welcome to the Low Town initiate or a secretive handshake to the returned. This was my first venture into Rigus and Low Town and, frankly, I had no idea what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised to find exceptionally crisp prose and snappy dialogue bursting out of the pages at me. I was taken in within the first few pages by Wren’s clever battle of wits with the rambunctious and lovable Geraldine, who would certainly slit your throat for the right price. I had heard great things about the Low Town trilogy, but I was nervous that I would feel out of place without the background knowledge of the previous books. But rest assured, The Soft Touch is a fantastic place to begin. After the first chapter, I immediately bought the first book in the series (titled Low Town in the US and The Straight Razor Cure in the UK; it was confusing for me too at first, don’t you worry) because I knew I was going to want to read everything Polanksy wrote about this gritty town. And for those of you who have already read the original trilogy, my guess is this will provide an extremely interesting continuation of the Low Town saga, shedding some light on what happened to some of the key characters after She Who Waits.
“Violence betrays a lack of imagination,” he insisted. “And I’m a creative person.”
“I’m going to slit your throat and pull your tongue out the hole.”
“Again, unproductive.”
Again, without the context of the previous books, I don’t know if Wren is a new character, someone only mentioned in passing in the original trilogy, or a main character throughout. But The Soft Touch opens with Wren as our main character. A suave, dapper gentleman returning to Low Town with business to be won and an answer for every question. He appears to effortlessly glide between bloody, warring gangster families, pitting one against the other while he walks out the back, unharmed. When he does need to get his hands dirty, he dispatches his enemies with a surgeon’s efficiency. He quickly meets Geraldine, a dock rat who begins to work in his employ after he slickly maneuvers around some of the deadliest hooligans of Rigus. This novella is set up similar to a heist story, where it quickly becomes evident that Wren has returned to Low Town for a very specific reason and has spent a lot of time planning out all of his moves like a chess master. There were multiple points throughout the book that I felt like I was following Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo as he meticulously pulled the strings necessary to enact his ultimate revenge.
While the beginning of the book seemed fairly straight forward, the last third of the book threw out numerous twists and turns, fakes and jukes that kept me guessing until the very end. Even in the last pages, I expected a very different outcome. I’m really, really hoping that ending was actually the beginning of much more from Polansky in Low Town!
I have to say again, I loved Polansky’s writing style in The Soft Touch. I haven’t read his other works, so I don’t know if this is typical for how he writes or if this was something new he was trying out for this novella. But everything was so clean and fast paced. The way he described characters was perfect. This was one of my favorites:
“Caraway was shorter than Katarina, who was not a tall woman. His uniform was spotless and unbecoming. He looked like a mortician or a tax accountant and seemed in a constant state of constipation. He was as adept a spymaster as anyone living, a stern conductor who didn’t mind making the occasional castrate if it kept the rest of the chorus in harmony.”
None of this, “he was a rotund gentleman with brown hair that looked a little frumpy.” No, we’re getting: a stern conductor who didn’t mind making the occasional castrate if it kept the rest of the chorus in harmony. That’s bloody genius and freaking hilarious. As much as I loved the story and getting to know Wren and Geraldine and the other denizens of Low Town, I couldn’t get enough of HOW Polansky was telling the story. If you’re a fan of quick, snappy prose that just feels refreshing to read, look no further than The Soft Touch.
The last thing I’ll say is Low Town, and Rigus in particular, are terribly gruesome neighborhoods with derelict deviants populating them, forcing the overall atmosphere to be dark and overwhelming. But for as dreary of a place as Low Town is, Wren did a remarkable job shining a ray of hope and light through the smoke-smuggered stars. He was a protagonist who was hard not to cheer for, even after you step back and look at the death and destruction he left in his wake so that he could potentially set himself up to rule a crime syndicate of his own in the future.
“Make everything better is a pretty ambitious goal.”
“Pity the soul who sets his dreams so low as to meet them in his lifetime.”
The Soft Touch made me an immediate fan of Daniel Polanksy. I will be visiting Low Town again in the very near future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Profanity is for those lacking the wit to attempt originality. Much like violence."
I would like to thank Adrian Collins and his team at Grimdark Magazine for an e-ARC.
Although I had Low Town series in my TBR, I didn't know much about the world and the books except that many readers rate Daniel Polansky highly. So, I went blind into this novella which is part of Low Town world.
In the day where major fiction books have minimalist cover arts, I loved the cover art by Fran Vegas. It shows the entry scene at the docks. Additionally, I loved the cover design by Shawn T. King with the innovative use of font and colors (which complements the cover image.)
Considering the fact that it took me hardly 3 hours to finish this novella, I am pleasantly surprised by the way the main character Wren was written. After many many years, I saw a protagonist who doesn't like to bash things but has a good humoured attitude and can wriggle out of an uncomfortable situation by sheer choice of words and a lot of courage. I had enjoyed the dialogues a lot and there were a few peculiar words which I haven't encountered much in most of the grimdark books.English is my third language but I am more comfortable in reading books in English. Some of the examples are affectation, sinecure, dirge and many more which I didn't note them down. Nevertheless, there were a few instances where the author gives a picture which becomes an amalgamation of many many people or objects.
I have loved the atmosphere and filth of Low Town which helped me to visualize the slums and the bars. However, I have found the characters to be funny especially Geraldine. Hence, I have liked the concoction of grim settings and sudden humour which I never used to see it coming.
Overall, it was an engaging and entertaining experience for me. I will start with Low Town now.
I would like to thank Adrian Collins and his team at Grimdark Magazine for an e-ARC.
Although I had Low Town series in my TBR, I didn't know much about the world and the books except that many readers rate Daniel Polansky highly. So, I went blind into this novella which is part of Low Town world.
In the day where major fiction books have minimalist cover arts, I loved the cover art by Fran Vegas. It shows the entry scene at the docks. Additionally, I loved the cover design by Shawn T. King with the innovative use of font and colors (which complements the cover image.)
Considering the fact that it took me hardly 3 hours to finish this novella, I am pleasantly surprised by the way the main character Wren was written. After many many years, I saw a protagonist who doesn't like to bash things but has a good humoured attitude and can wriggle out of an uncomfortable situation by sheer choice of words and a lot of courage. I had enjoyed the dialogues a lot and there were a few peculiar words which I haven't encountered much in most of the grimdark books.
"Always chaotic, that morning the docks were doubly so, busy not only with the usual cast of fisherman, factors, merchants, sailors, pilots, porters, pickpockets, prostitutes, buskers, beggars, drug dealers, confidence men, three-card monte shufflers, purveyors of religious trinkets, oyster-shuckers, chestnut roasters, eel-sellers, off-duty knife boys, members of the city guard, and touts, but a surprising number of tourists come down in hopes of catching the first sight of the great flotilla which was formally to arrive tomorrow."
I have loved the atmosphere and filth of Low Town which helped me to visualize the slums and the bars. However, I have found the characters to be funny especially Geraldine. Hence, I have liked the concoction of grim settings and sudden humour which I never used to see it coming.
“Violence has a strange way of finding you, is that it, Mr. Gustav?”
“People who see me in underclothes usually call me Wren.”
Overall, it was an engaging and entertaining experience for me. I will start with Low Town now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE SOFT TOUCH is a pleasing return to Low Town that is set some years (decades?) after the trilogy. Returning to the city where he grew up, Wren must navigate the local crime bosses and unpick a conspiracy that threatens to derail a truce between the Empire and its longstanding enemy, the Dren.
Wren is a man who would very much love to be the open hand rather than the clenched fist, if the world but allowed it. Alas, even his considerable wit is insufficient to avoid bloodshed in a city crawling with lowlifes, double-crossers, and opportunists.
Polansky's writing is evocative, his dialogue snappy and clever, and his aptitude for painting a grimdark city canvas and populating it with morally repugnant figures still a match for the very best. The first half of the book is tremendous; the second wobbles a little, partly because one significant villain seems to appear out of nowhere, partly because the rollercoaster of plot twists and revelations is simply too fast and perhaps too convenient to be fully effective.
There were also one or two character moments involving Wren that seemed in active opposition to the outlook he was espousing a dozen pages earlier. This is a novella that embraces a certain kind of nihilism, which isn't necessarily a bad thing - it just left me slightly confused about Wren's ultimate goals.
Overall, however, a fine read. Fans of the trilogy will absolutely want to dive in. Those who have yet to read the trilogy are better served reading that first, as THE SOFT TOUCH ultimately spoils the ending of the third novel in definitive fashion.
Wren is a man who would very much love to be the open hand rather than the clenched fist, if the world but allowed it. Alas, even his considerable wit is insufficient to avoid bloodshed in a city crawling with lowlifes, double-crossers, and opportunists.
Polansky's writing is evocative, his dialogue snappy and clever, and his aptitude for painting a grimdark city canvas and populating it with morally repugnant figures still a match for the very best. The first half of the book is tremendous; the second wobbles a little, partly because one significant villain seems to appear out of nowhere, partly because the rollercoaster of plot twists and revelations is simply too fast and perhaps too convenient to be fully effective.
There were also one or two character moments involving Wren that seemed in active opposition to the outlook he was espousing a dozen pages earlier. This is a novella that embraces a certain kind of nihilism, which isn't necessarily a bad thing - it just left me slightly confused about Wren's ultimate goals.
Overall, however, a fine read. Fans of the trilogy will absolutely want to dive in. Those who have yet to read the trilogy are better served reading that first, as THE SOFT TOUCH ultimately spoils the ending of the third novel in definitive fashion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well this was great.
I've never read any of Daniel's work before, and I feel like it needs to be an insta-fix. This was very much right up my alley, and I'm furious it's only a novella! Although only a novella sounds off since it's 200+ pages but still!
The major pros for me were the dialogue and character-work. Quick-witted, humorous, ruthless; all things I love in conversations and that was done perfectly here. It can be very overdone but even though the novella had so many conversations throughout and it is what really drove the plot, it felt like I was so engrossed in what was being said that it made the 200 pages feel like 40. It was really great work.
I also enjoyed the characters, as I said. Having a shorter book can make it harder to have a reader connect with them but that wasn't the case here. Every person who was on the page felt so fully fleshed out and well done that it was a case of "oh I've known these people my whole life."
All things considered, this was a perfect palette cleanser as I'd just gotten done reading a massive tome and the atmosphere that Polansky created here, which is even more impressive since he'd apparently not written about this world in years, was so awesome. Lots of moving pieces, fast paced, incredibly well done. Definitely have to look at more of his work in the future!
I've never read any of Daniel's work before, and I feel like it needs to be an insta-fix. This was very much right up my alley, and I'm furious it's only a novella! Although only a novella sounds off since it's 200+ pages but still!
The major pros for me were the dialogue and character-work. Quick-witted, humorous, ruthless; all things I love in conversations and that was done perfectly here. It can be very overdone but even though the novella had so many conversations throughout and it is what really drove the plot, it felt like I was so engrossed in what was being said that it made the 200 pages feel like 40. It was really great work.
I also enjoyed the characters, as I said. Having a shorter book can make it harder to have a reader connect with them but that wasn't the case here. Every person who was on the page felt so fully fleshed out and well done that it was a case of "oh I've known these people my whole life."
All things considered, this was a perfect palette cleanser as I'd just gotten done reading a massive tome and the atmosphere that Polansky created here, which is even more impressive since he'd apparently not written about this world in years, was so awesome. Lots of moving pieces, fast paced, incredibly well done. Definitely have to look at more of his work in the future!
July 16, 2026
Brilliant follow up to a trilogy in a universe I never thought I would get to visit again. Daniel Polansky skillfully walked that fine line of both giving me what I loved about the Low Town trilogy while advancing the setting and story and introducing new elements. Rigus is still one of the most vibrant and fully realized cities in all of fantasy yet hasn't remained static since the end of the trilogy, with a real sense of time has passed and that there are many new players.
The story focuses on Wren Gustav, adopted son and groomed heir apparent to the star of the Low Town trilogy, the Warden. Having been gone 15 years, visiting apparently most of the known world, Wren is back in town. Finding out why (and that he is very much a Disruptor and both like and very much unlike the Warden) was a wonderful, intriguing, noirish, gritty story full of machinations and plans within plans.
First rate, loved returning to the world of the hoax and the chill and the Old City and Dren and Black House. I loved how we get two very strong and important female characters, Geraldine Barrow and Katarina Strand, saw new areas of Rigus, and see both street level and geopolitical changes to Rigus. Dialogue was brilliant and enjoyable to read, some great action scenes too.
The story focuses on Wren Gustav, adopted son and groomed heir apparent to the star of the Low Town trilogy, the Warden. Having been gone 15 years, visiting apparently most of the known world, Wren is back in town. Finding out why (and that he is very much a Disruptor and both like and very much unlike the Warden) was a wonderful, intriguing, noirish, gritty story full of machinations and plans within plans.
First rate, loved returning to the world of the hoax and the chill and the Old City and Dren and Black House. I loved how we get two very strong and important female characters, Geraldine Barrow and Katarina Strand, saw new areas of Rigus, and see both street level and geopolitical changes to Rigus. Dialogue was brilliant and enjoyable to read, some great action scenes too.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Soft Touch is a novella set in the grimdark fantasy series "low town". Here, we follow Wren as he comes back to Rigus after spending some years away from his hometown. Wren is back in Rigus for a specific reason though - to find his long lost father figure, who also happens to be the most brilliant crime lord that ever lived.
Wren soon encounters a wide cast of characters (from investigators to street urchins) who pull him into a complex web of intrigue and lies. I won't spoil anything here, but I quite enjoyed all the twists and "omg what?!" moments this novella had -especially in the second half.
To note that this was my introduction to the Low Town series and I enjoyed this quite a bit, so I can safely say that this novella can be enjoyed both as a standalone, and also as an entry to this series.
Thank you again Grimdark Magazine for sending me an arc copy of this book :)))
Wren soon encounters a wide cast of characters (from investigators to street urchins) who pull him into a complex web of intrigue and lies. I won't spoil anything here, but I quite enjoyed all the twists and "omg what?!" moments this novella had -especially in the second half.
To note that this was my introduction to the Low Town series and I enjoyed this quite a bit, so I can safely say that this novella can be enjoyed both as a standalone, and also as an entry to this series.
Thank you again Grimdark Magazine for sending me an arc copy of this book :)))
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel Polansky has pretty much always been an author I admire...even when I don't necessarily like or enjoy the stories he tells. The LOW TOWN trilogy was one such exercise, where I found his characters relentlessly compelling, his prose wonderful...and the story somewhat unsatisfying (especially after the first book).
THE SOFT TOUCH almost completely fixes that issue.
This book has all of Polansky's sparkling wit and deft touch with language, but it's also heartwarming (in a gritty, often bloody way) and almost cozy. One of the defining aspects of this story is its *hope*. And that was something I thought LOW TOWN was missing.
I enjoyed the hell out of this story. Highly recommend.
Daniel Polansky has pretty much always been an author I admire...even when I don't necessarily like or enjoy the stories he tells. The LOW TOWN trilogy was one such exercise, where I found his characters relentlessly compelling, his prose wonderful...and the story somewhat unsatisfying (especially after the first book).
THE SOFT TOUCH almost completely fixes that issue.
This book has all of Polansky's sparkling wit and deft touch with language, but it's also heartwarming (in a gritty, often bloody way) and almost cozy. One of the defining aspects of this story is its *hope*. And that was something I thought LOW TOWN was missing.
I enjoyed the hell out of this story. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow.
I never used to expect too much from novellas, but after the work of Cahill, I expect a lot from them.
This has passed that expectation!!
We’re thrown into a story that’s so fast paced, so gritty, and soooo cutthroat, I truly couldn’t put my trust in anyone as much as I couldn’t put this down.
The comedic jabs caught me so off guard, and are exactly what I look forward to when it comes to the grimdark genre— dark and filthy humor.
“Luck's a fickle bitch,” Geraldine opined in the colloquial before making her toss. The dice rattled against the wall and revealed an obliging eight. “But I keep her well lubed.”
Geraldine has to be my favorite character, other than Wren of course. Their banter had me cackling!!
And the absolute plot twists had me just 🤯
I really didn’t expect any of it, but I need more!!!!
I never used to expect too much from novellas, but after the work of Cahill, I expect a lot from them.
This has passed that expectation!!
We’re thrown into a story that’s so fast paced, so gritty, and soooo cutthroat, I truly couldn’t put my trust in anyone as much as I couldn’t put this down.
The comedic jabs caught me so off guard, and are exactly what I look forward to when it comes to the grimdark genre— dark and filthy humor.
“Luck's a fickle bitch,” Geraldine opined in the colloquial before making her toss. The dice rattled against the wall and revealed an obliging eight. “But I keep her well lubed.”
Geraldine has to be my favorite character, other than Wren of course. Their banter had me cackling!!
And the absolute plot twists had me just 🤯
I really didn’t expect any of it, but I need more!!!!
July 15, 2026
“This is grimdark with dirt under its fingernails”
I went into this having never read the original Low Town trilogy, but I’d heard it worked perfectly well as a standalone. It absolutely does. I never felt lost or like I was missing essential backstory. Instead, the world unfolded naturally, pulling me into its grimy streets and criminal underworld
Wren is a compelling protagonist, and the story is packed with sharp dialogue and gritty atmosphere. This is grimdark with dirt under its fingernails.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it made me want to go and read the entire original Low Town series. If you’ve been on the fence because you haven’t read the previous books, don’t be. This is a fantastic entry point and a thoroughly addictive read.
I went into this having never read the original Low Town trilogy, but I’d heard it worked perfectly well as a standalone. It absolutely does. I never felt lost or like I was missing essential backstory. Instead, the world unfolded naturally, pulling me into its grimy streets and criminal underworld
Wren is a compelling protagonist, and the story is packed with sharp dialogue and gritty atmosphere. This is grimdark with dirt under its fingernails.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it made me want to go and read the entire original Low Town series. If you’ve been on the fence because you haven’t read the previous books, don’t be. This is a fantastic entry point and a thoroughly addictive read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fifteen years after the events of She Who Waits, Wren returns to Low Town.
The Young Queen of the Empire is about to sign a treaty with the Dern. Wren finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy, that could bring everything down. Can he prove to be his father’s son, always one step ahead?
The Soft Touch is an excellent and well written novella. Not as Grim as the Low Town Trilogy, I would say it’s more lighthearted - besides the death and horrors - and it gives the reader hope, as similarities with our world as we know it are inevitable.
Really an enjoyable novella that can also be read as an introduction to Daniel Polansky’s world.
Thank you Adrian and Grimdark Magazine for the ARC.
The Young Queen of the Empire is about to sign a treaty with the Dern. Wren finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy, that could bring everything down. Can he prove to be his father’s son, always one step ahead?
The Soft Touch is an excellent and well written novella. Not as Grim as the Low Town Trilogy, I would say it’s more lighthearted - besides the death and horrors - and it gives the reader hope, as similarities with our world as we know it are inevitable.
Really an enjoyable novella that can also be read as an introduction to Daniel Polansky’s world.
Thank you Adrian and Grimdark Magazine for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a delightful tale with many a charming aside and a stylish swaggering plan to shake up the status quo amongst both the gritty, grimey underworld and the brutal, all-knowing secret service of sorts. Wonderfully written with many quirky passages and interesting sentence construction, this novella is a fabulous addition to the world of Low Town. I had a total blast with this book and the narrative construction. I may quibble about one particular antagonist who popped out of nowhere towards the end but otherwise the book has a nice easy rhythm to it while being compulsively readable
Thanks to Adrian & GDM for my copy of this
Full RTC
Thanks to Adrian & GDM for my copy of this
Full RTC
July 13, 2026
Great to be back! Hope he writes more. If you like the Low Town series, what are you waiting for, dive in. If you’re new to it, read it, it’s great! If you haven’t, do fret, you can still enjoy this bc, it’s basically (mostly, and the ones that aren’t are fully realized and no prior knowledge is needed) new characters and the author does such a great job of presenting the world and people that you immediately feel you have everything you need to follow along. Grim dark crime noir that’s fun. Always fun. Read it. Seriously.
July 22, 2026
A deft novella with surprising events. Having read one Low Town novel, I wondered throughout the book which characters would backstab the others. And still, I was surprised at the concluding chapters. This is Grimdark at its best which somewhat eschews the perpetual violence and is written almost poetically. I hope we have a forthcoming novel with Wren as the protagonist. He is just too good a character to be laid aside.
July 25, 2026
Heck. I loved this one and i am *begging* for whatever comes next. The Soft Touch had me hoodwinked from start to finish and highlighting whole pages at a time. Daniel Polansky is an autobuy for me now—and I need you to get this novella on your tbr stat.
The prose was damn near perfect, Wren was witty, slippery, and wonderful—and his companion a riot. (I. Love. Her.)
For fans of Peaky Blinders, Six of Crows (but make it adult), and all things gritty, sharp, and wonderful, this is a must!
The prose was damn near perfect, Wren was witty, slippery, and wonderful—and his companion a riot. (I. Love. Her.)
For fans of Peaky Blinders, Six of Crows (but make it adult), and all things gritty, sharp, and wonderful, this is a must!
July 3, 2026
I've been following this author since 2012's Low Town release, and it made me a happy little piglet to be back in Rigus - always wondered if Polansky was going to make his way back here, and I'm glad he did. A ten for Wren. Moar pliz.
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