Read my long review: http://wp.me/p40HVI-BX 
 A fascinating story about power plays. Such a strong story. I think it would benefit from a re-read. We had such an interesting discussion of the book. Everyone had spotted something someone else had not. We talked a lot about motivations, characters and themes in the story. Bear is a master of sending plot balls rolling and picking them up later, making me marvel over the delicate and intricate plotting. Most of us were fascinated by what was going on and a bit mystified as well. We picked out some plot points and talked about where we think they are going and also talked about all that we could figure out. 
 I adored the cultural complexity in the story. I was fascinated by the use of language barriers between characters. I am not sure I have seen that before in fantasy fiction - not without a "common" to default to. 
 Read for the book circle I am in