At 819 pages, this book is big and messy and far too sprawling. The world-building is imprecise and the rules of magic don't make a whole lot of sense (and for the most part, simply aren't explained). I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole enough to stick with it until the end, but the books could have used some intense whittling and editing. Still, the characters and the setting are engaging, and I was never bored, even during the most frustrating points of the story. I wouldn't say don't read the trilogy -- but I can't say I whole-heartedly recommend these books either. 
 For more detail, check out my series wrap-up post at Bookshelf Fantasies.