Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan

 

The Tyranny of Faith picks up right where The Justice of Kings left off. Justice Sir Konrad is traveling back to the capital, Sova, upon an imperial summons. He is joined by his companions, Dubine, Sheriff Radomir, and Helena-his clerk and protege. Konrad is anxious to pursue the dangerous priest, Bartholomew Claver, but he cannot ignore the duties thrust upon him by his friend the emperor. Namely, to root out the traitorous Justices in the Magistratum. Some of these Justices have been secretly sowing discontent in the capital, and more seriously, passing along dangerous magical secrets to Claver.

Konrad has difficulty convincing the Emperor of the danger posed by Klaver. The Emperor is distracted both by the difficulties closer to home and by a war that is going badly as the Empire of the Wolf continues to expand its borders. Konrad's efforts to resume his pursuit of Claver are further hampered when the Emperor's grandson is kidnapped and it is up to Konrad to find and return him home. Time is of the essence if he wants to solve the kidnapping and bring Claver to justice.

Konrad's personality continues to change in Helena's eyes as he also fights an illness that seems to have magical origins and takes what seems to her as ruthless and expedient action that stretches or even breaks the common law he is sworn to uphold. 

Richard Swan's choice of Helena as the narrator highlights both the best parts of the empire and the fracture points when it comes under stress. In many ways, it was easy for Konrad to maintain the high ideals of justice out in the wild. He was subject only to his own will and was able to act unilaterally as judge, jury, and executioner. This freedom of action is constrained back in the capital, as he is answerable to the Emperor and must also deal with the fractious politics in his own order, as well as the church and other political factions. Helena is shocked by the change that has come over him as his actions become increasingly ruthless and not in keeping with the man she has admired, even as her feelings for him are evolving in a more romantic nature.

This is an empire in decline and headed toward disaster. Helena experiences firsthand how easily ideals are sacrificed in an attempt to retain power. The outlook is grim and appearing grimmer. Swan does a masterful job of combining historical fantasy with mystery, intrigue, and exciting action sequences. This series is a runaway freight train with no brakes. Disaster is coming and it is going to be spectacular! I can't wait to see where this series goes next!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.