Helpful Score: 2
A much more compassionate book than 'Empress'. You might consider reading this one first, so you know that there is more than the epic, bloody, ponderous desert of Hekat's Mijak. Second book in an interesting trilogy, although not my favorite of Karen Miller's works. (Try The Accidental Sorcerer if you'd like something a bit lighter and fluffier.)
After the first book, you don't really understand the beginning of this one. Several completely new characters, and the ones from the first book are nowhere to be seen. Was I confused? Yes, but as you read through, Ms. Miller brings the other characters she needs in, and explains what happened from the first book that puts us in the current situation. A great middle book, and makes you want to read the last book to see how everything turns out.
