Though I've hit upon what might be a rather nice wee gem in an increasingly stagnant genre.
While the story is not hugely original, it reminds me of the start of farseeker trilogy crossed with the Lies of Locke Lamora , it’s a good page turner though imho
The story basically concerns a young chappy living the lowlife among the lowlife. I shall apprentice to the chief stabber he says, cue love interest from afar, stab stab, what's this evil machinations from evil empire, stab stab, Ohh no! Betrayal, stab stab, Love unrequited, stab stab, more stab stab, evil wizards, more betrayals, can I won’t I, stab stab, redemption, stab stab, city falls, cue book 2.
All in all I'd recommend it as rather good train/bus fodder, which reminds me I must check to see if the next part of the "Lies of Locke Lamora" is available.