Murcatto's Betrayal and Survival

Once a celebrated mercenary leader, Monza Murcatto is betrayed by Duke Orso, who orders her and her brother Benna's murder. Thrown from a mountain, Monza miraculously survives, though broken in body and spirit. Rescued by a bone-obsessed healer, she endures a painful recovery, driven by a singular desire for vengeance against those who wronged her. Her resolve hardens as she recalls the faces of her betrayers, vowing to kill them all, starting with Orso.

Shivers' New Beginnings

Caul Shivers, a Northman weary of war, arrives in Styria hoping to start anew. Disillusioned by the harsh realities of city life, he struggles to find honest work. His path crosses with Monza, who offers him a chance at wealth in exchange for his skills in violence. Torn between his desire to be a better man and the lure of money, Shivers reluctantly agrees to join her quest for revenge, setting aside his ideals for the promise of a better future.

Poisonous Plans Unfold

Monza seeks the services of Castor Morveer, a master poisoner, to aid in her vendetta. Despite initial distrust, they strike a deal, and Morveer sets his lethal plans in motion. His first target is Mauthis, a banker allied with Orso. Morveer's cunning use of poison results in chaos at the bank, killing Mauthis and many others. Monza, witnessing the indiscriminate death, insists on more controlled killings in the future, determined to maintain control over her bloody path.

A Deadly Celebration Awaits

As the date of a grand masquerade ball approaches, Monza's team prepares for their most audacious strike yet. With the help of Vitari and the reluctant Cosca, they plan to infiltrate the event and eliminate Ario and Foscar. The group navigates the treacherous waters of Styrian politics, each member driven by their own motives. Monza's leadership is put to the test as she orchestrates a complex web of deceit and violence, determined to see her enemies fall.

Siege of Visserine Begins

As Monza and her companions navigate the chaos of Visserine, Orso's forces, led by General Ganmark, lay siege to the city. The streets are filled with panic as citizens flee or prepare for the inevitable assault. Monza, determined to kill Ganmark, plans to use the chaos to her advantage. Meanwhile, Cosca and Friendly gather Talinese uniforms from the dead, preparing for the final confrontation. The city burns, a testament to the destructive power of war and the desperation of its defenders.

Chaos and Blood in the Garden

Ganmark arrives at Salier's palace, eager to secure the art collection. Monza, disguised as a Talinese officer, leads Salier forward, setting the trap. As Ganmark approaches, Monza strikes, but the ensuing chaos erupts into a brutal melee. Friendly, Shivers, and the others fight desperately against Ganmark's men. The garden becomes a battlefield, blood and bodies littering the ground. Monza's plan teeters on the brink of failure, but her determination remains unshaken.

A Treacherous Alliance Unravels

Nicomo Cosca, once thought dead, reemerges with a plan to betray both sides of the conflict. Having taken money from both Duke Orso and Duke Rogont, Cosca orchestrates a scheme to remain neutral, ensuring the Thousand Swords do not engage in battle. His actions reveal the depths of his cunning and self-interest, as he navigates the treacherous waters of mercenary politics. The betrayal leaves Monza and her allies scrambling, as they realize the precariousness of their position in the unfolding war.

The Battle for Ospria Begins

As Duke Rogont's army prepares to defend Ospria, they are outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the forces of Duke Orso and the Thousand Swords. Monza, now aligned with Rogont, advises him on strategy, but the situation appears dire. The battle commences with Rogont's forces holding the high ground, but the relentless advance of Orso's troops threatens to overwhelm them. The fate of Ospria hangs in the balance as both sides clash in a desperate struggle for control.

Monza's Final Confrontation

Monza Murcatto, driven by vengeance, finally confronts Duke Orso in the very hall where her brother was murdered. The fortress of Fontezarmo is in chaos, with mercenaries looting and fighting Orso's guards. Monza, determined to end Orso's reign, finds herself face-to-face with him. Orso reveals that her brother Benna had plotted against him, a revelation that shakes Monza's understanding of her past. Despite this, Monza fulfills her quest for revenge, killing Orso and completing her bloody journey.

Shivers' Betrayal and Redemption

Caul Shivers, once Monza's ally, turns against her, driven by betrayal and his own dark path. In a tense confrontation, Shivers attacks Monza, but their fight is interrupted by Friendly, who saves Monza. Shivers is left to reflect on his choices, realizing that he has become the very monster he once despised. In a twist of fate, Monza spares his life, offering him a chance at redemption, which he reluctantly accepts, leaving Styria behind.

The Poisoner's Deadly Legacy

Castor Morveer's deadly plot unfolds as the crown meant for Rogont is revealed to be poisoned. During the coronation, Rogont and several key leaders of Styria fall victim to the poison, leaving Monza as the sole survivor. Morveer's actions, driven by his own vendetta, inadvertently thrust Monza into a position of power. His legacy of death and chaos reshapes the political landscape of Styria, leaving Monza to navigate the aftermath.

Monza's New Dawn

With Orso dead and Rogont's dream shattered, Monza finds herself in a position of power she never sought. As the Grand Duchess of Talins, she must navigate the treacherous waters of Styrian politics, balancing her past thirst for vengeance with the need for stability and growth. Monza begins to envision a future beyond revenge, focusing on rebuilding and securing her legacy. Her journey of blood and betrayal has led her to a new dawn, where she must decide what kind of leader she will become.

Characters

Monza Murcatto

Once a celebrated mercenary, Monza is driven by a fierce desire for revenge after being betrayed and left for dead. Her physical and emotional scars fuel her relentless pursuit of those who wronged her. Monza is a complex character, balancing her ruthless nature with moments of vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with Shivers. Her leadership is marked by a cold pragmatism, as she navigates the dangerous world of Styrian politics and warfare.

Caul Shivers

Shivers arrives in Styria hoping to leave his violent past behind, but finds himself drawn back into a world of bloodshed. Torn between his desire to be a better man and the lure of wealth, he becomes Monza's reluctant ally. Shivers is a man of contradictions, struggling with his own moral compass while navigating the treacherous landscape of Monza's vendetta. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with the cost of his choices.

Castor Morveer

Morveer is a cunning and arrogant poisoner, whose skills are unmatched in Styria. He is both a valuable ally and a potential threat, as his methods often lead to collateral damage. Morveer's relationship with Monza is tense, marked by mutual distrust and a shared understanding of the darker aspects of their work. His assistant, Day, provides a counterbalance to his eccentricities, highlighting his reliance on her for support.

Nicomo Cosca

Cosca's return to the fray is marked by his characteristic wit and self-interest. His decision to take money from both sides of the conflict showcases his opportunistic nature, as he seeks to maximize his gain while minimizing risk. Cosca's actions reveal the depths of his cunning and the precariousness of alliances in the world of mercenaries. Despite his betrayal, he remains a charismatic and unpredictable figure, navigating the chaos with a smile.

Duke Orso

Orso's betrayal of Monza and her brother sets the stage for the bloody conflict that follows. His death at Monza's hands marks the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era in Styria. Orso's character embodies the themes of power, betrayal, and the cost of ambition.

Grand Duke Rogont

Rogont's dream of a united Styria dies with him, as his poisoned coronation marks the collapse of his plans. His character represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of power. Rogont's death leaves a power vacuum that Monza must navigate in her new role.

Carlot dan Eider

Eider's presence in Ospria is marked by her cunning and adaptability. Her past interactions with Monza reveal a woman who has been used and betrayed, yet remains determined to survive. Eider's ability to manipulate those around her highlights her resourcefulness, as she seeks to secure her own future amidst the chaos of war. Her interactions with Shivers reveal a complex character, driven by a desire for revenge and self-preservation.

Plot Devices

Poison as a Plot Device

Poison plays a central role in Monza's quest for vengeance, serving as both a literal and metaphorical weapon. Morveer's expertise in the art of poison highlights the theme of deception and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of Styrian society. The indiscriminate nature of poison reflects the chaos and unpredictability of Monza's path, as she struggles to maintain control over her bloody mission.

The Masquerade Ball

The upcoming masquerade ball serves as a focal point for Monza's plans, symbolizing the duplicity and hidden agendas of Styrian politics. The event provides a backdrop for the convergence of various characters and plotlines, as Monza and her allies prepare to strike against their enemies. The ball represents both an opportunity and a risk, as Monza navigates the delicate balance between revenge and survival.

The Siege of Visserine

The siege serves as a catalyst for the events in this section, driving the characters to desperate measures. The city's fall symbolizes the collapse of order and the rise of chaos, as Monza and her companions navigate the treacherous landscape of war. The siege highlights the themes of power, betrayal, and the cost of vengeance, as the characters are forced to confront their own demons amidst the ruins.

The Surprise Alliance

The unexpected alliance between Rogont and Sipani serves as a pivotal plot device, shifting the balance of power in the battle for Ospria. This alliance, orchestrated through Rogont's diplomatic efforts and Monza's past actions, highlights the complex interplay of politics and warfare. The surprise alliance underscores the theme of shifting loyalties and the precariousness of power in the world of mercenaries and rulers.

Poisoned Crown

The poisoned crown serves as a pivotal plot device, representing the deadly consequences of ambition and the treacherous nature of power. Morveer's use of poison to eliminate Rogont and his allies underscores the themes of deception and the hidden dangers lurking in the pursuit of power.

Analysis

"Best Served Cold" by Joe Abercrombie is a gripping exploration of revenge, betrayal, and the complexities of power. Through Monza Murcatto's relentless quest for vengeance, the novel delves into the moral ambiguities and personal costs of pursuing justice. The story is set against the backdrop of a politically unstable Styria, where shifting alliances and treacherous politics mirror the internal struggles of the characters. Abercrombie masterfully weaves a narrative that challenges the reader to consider the true price of vengeance and the nature of leadership. Monza's transformation from a vengeful warrior to a ruler grappling with the responsibilities of power highlights the novel's central themes of redemption and the search for identity amidst chaos. The use of poison as a plot device underscores the hidden dangers of ambition, while the collapse of the League of Nine serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of power. Ultimately, "Best Served Cold" is a compelling examination of the human condition, where the lines between hero and villain blur, and the quest for justice becomes a journey of self-discovery.

Last updated: February 26, 2025