The Diplomacy of the Knife is the second novel in the science fantasy series Four of Mercies, written by C.M. Caplan. Equally crazy and imaginative as the first instalment, we will become spectators of the civil war that has started across the country, with a Petre that will have to proof his value to his sister, the Queen, and find traitors that root in the Mercy house; an instalment that puts a bit more of the focus on the complex politics of this world without losing that unique touch that Caplan writing gives.

From the start of the novel, we are again into the chaotic mess that is Petre's head; the same unique voice that, however, starts to gain agency in comparison with the previous book: now in a complex position under the orders of his sister, we see how Petre refuses to continue being the pawn in a bigger game and starts taking some decisions by itself. He's still an outsider in this world of scheming and subterfuge, but with much effort to become what they expect from him, we have an excellent character development; mistakes will happen, but even in a world he doesn't really fully grasp, he's trying to get his own way.

The first book was truly imaginative and inventive, but maybe with a plot that sometimes could be felt a little off; in comparison, The Diplomacy of the Knife is much better tied, mixing political intrigue, backstabbing and intense action scenes. The pacing is a bit slower, but it only plays in favour of the novel, which takes the opportunity to improve in aspects such as characterization (and I can't stop thinking about how brilliantly written is Petre's mother).

The worldbuilding is equally brilliant and crazy; if already we have truly crazy inventions such as the cyborg horses and how Petre's hand was repaired, Caplan decides to take it to a new level, but somehow, all makes sense. The writing is sharp and agile, partly suiting well to Petre's mind, and honestly, just embrace the chaos, because it's fricking amazing.

The Diplomacy of the Knife is an excellent second instalment, as it takes all from The Fall Is All There and takes it to an all new level; Four of Mercies is the series you want to read if you like inventive worldbuilding, incredible characters and a great amount of chaos. Well done, Connor!