This is a must-read for The Black Magician's trilogy fans. It is it not nearly as thrilling as the second or third books in that series, but that doesn't mean we have to panic. The beginning of the trilogy was just as slow-paced and heavy, and then it got substantially better, so I am looking forward to the sequel of this book. New characters are introduced, and old characters are confronted with new issues; overall the development is interesting, although I am not sure just how much I like Lorkin, Sonea's son. I'm giving him a chance to grow wiser and more likeable, and I'm waiting for the next book!