The boy who wept blood - Den Patrick

With his rich evocation of the Italian Renaissance-like realm of Landfall, his uniquely appealing way with flawed yet empathic characters and his ability to write gripping scenes of both action and subterfuge, Den Patrick has already established himself as a new favourite for fans of Scott Lynch and Robin Hobb alike.

Ten years have passed since the disappearence of Lucien and his protege, the young swordsman Dino, is struggling to live up to Lucien's legacy. Sworn to protect the silent queen Anea as she struggles to bring a new democracy to Demesne, Dino finds himself drawn into a deadly game of political intrigue as the aristocratic families of Landfall conspire to protect their privilege. Always ready to prove himself as a swordsman Dino is anguished to discover that in order to fulfil his vow he must become both spy and assassion.

And all the while the dark secret at the heart of Demesne is growing towards fulfilment.

Den Patrick was born in Dorset in 1975 and shares a birthday with Bram Stoker. He has at various times been a comics editor, burlesque reviewer, bookseller and Games Workshop staffer. Anything to avoid getting a real job in fact.

He lives and works in London. His first three books for Gollancz, the War Manuals, were released in Autumn 2013. His first novel, THE BOY WITH THE PORCELAIN BLADE, he first in the Erebus Sequence, was published in Spring 2014.

http://www.denpatrick.com/

Stylistically the book is well-balanced between lush sensory descriptions of place and person (the details of clothing are particularly well-tailored) and taut, economic writing in the action sequences. The dialogue is crisp and acerbic and the characterization displays much nicely textured writing...This book has style!
British Fantasy Society

fast-paced, bloody and darkly satisfying... roll on 2016 and Book 3, The Girl on the Liar's Throne. I'm now well and truly hooked.
The Book Bag

Den Patrick continues to impress with his compelling world building and addictive prose...This makes for some compelling reading, and the author's gentle yet sardonic style makes the novel all the more delicious.
Starburst Magazine

I was most impressed by the book's gothic-ness, its secure world-building and deft characterisation - The Boy Who Wept Blood is an exciting page turner that didn't disappoint.
SFF World

the horror fantasy that sits beneath the surface continues to fester, providing plot twists and shocks
Sci-Fi Now

I might be emotionally ruined, but damn it, I'm still hooked...I just found one of my favourite fantasy books of 2015.
Ovrer the Effing Rainbow

The Boy Who Wept Blood was a very enjoyable, character-driven fantasy with intriguing mystery and cracking action. If you are a fan of Scott Lynch, or just fantasy in general, then you should check this book out!
Smash Dragons

With this novel, Patrick firmly establishes his well-deserved place as part of new breed of UK based fantasy authors. If he keeps on producing output like this it won't be long before reviewers will be using terms like 'unmissable' and 'classic' to describe his work.
The Eloquent Page

Those who enjoyed "The Boy with the Porcelain Blade" will enjoy "The Boy Who Wept Blood" as well. It is all that a sequel should be - it is bigger, bolder and cleverer....Readers who like their fantasy intelligent and historical shouldn't miss this one. You'll have a blast.
Upcoming 4 Me

The Boy Who Wept Blood is a fantastic book. It is intelligently written... Den Patrick has cemented his position as a fantasy author to watch and he has set the bar high for the conclusion of the Erebus Trilogy.
Geek Planet Online

this engrossing story of political intrigue, swordplay and hidden horrors has a truly distinctive flavour
Morning Star