So I read Low Town: The Straight Razor Cure by Daniel Polansky. It's his debut novel, released in 2011 and the first in a (now-finished) trilogy. It's pretty much 'gritty' urban fantasy. I liked it - I liked the atmosphere (which is darker than I tend to look for), and I liked most of the main characters, which speaking personally is one of the things I look for most. I didn't love it though - it certainly doesn't compare to the opening efforts of Rothfuss and Lynch, for example. The book was lacking depth, in the world-building, the plot and in the antagonists the protagonist faces. Ultimately I have to say I was disappointed by the book's finish.

Nonetheless, I'm going to continue the trilogy. This was a debut novel, so some shallowness can be excusedas long as the author improves. And I think there's lots of room for improvement, so I'd be surprised if I don't appreciate the next 2 books quite a lot more. Really need more on the world-building and plot front, but the increase in ratings for the next 2 books is encouraging, however.

 

I didn't even know the third book was out, but I remember (reservedly) enjoying both Low Town and Tomorrow, the Killing.