I feel about this book pretty much the same way I felt about volume two, Dark Triumph. It is a great character study. Annith, like Ismae and Sybella before her, was an interesting protagonist with a fascinating backstory. I also enjoyed the theological orientation of this installment. 
 However, also like book two, I found the plot sluggish. It takes a long time to get going and the final resolution to Duchess's plot relies heavily on a deus ex machina I found totally underwhelming. I feel like the first book had such a rich, complex plot where these last two volumes had enough plot for one book stretched out over two. 
 All three of these books offer beautiful writing, well developed characters and interesting mythology. The quality of plotting definitely declines after the first book. Still a series worth reading though for sure.