This isn't really a proper review, more a random stream of thought. In short, I loved the book. It's better than Sailing to Sarantium and is fully worthy of its five stars. 
 Having said that ... I'm not completely sold on the Epilogue. Massive spoilers behind spoiler tag, you have been warned! (view spoiler)[ 
 I don't know how I feel about Alixana showing up at the very end. I can't quite decide. On one hand, I'm glad we got to know that she survived, but on the other, I think I would have secretly preferred another GGK tragedy where Alixana threw herself in the sea (and where have we seen that before?!!) 
 Alixana is a fighter and, despite her comments about dying as an Empress, it seemed fitting that she and Crispin both were going to try to put their personal tragedies behind them and create their own 'legacy' together. I absolutely adored Alixana so I'm not sure why I'm begrudging her a 'happy' ending. I think I'd like the melodrama of yet another tragedy, as if there weren't enough in the book already! (hide spoiler)] 
 As with all Kay's books (that I've read so far), I feel that the first read is to find out what happens. The second and the third reads yield more insight, and you begin to understand the author's themes a little better. After a couple more reads, my opinion on the final pages might change, so I'm withholding judgement for now. But, truly, this is a wonderful book. I found my thoughts drifting to the story when I was at work today, when I really should have been doing other things. The secondary characters are what sell the story. They're incredibly well-developed. Oh, and I think I'm crushing on Scortius! 
 Also, I loved the completely random snippet of text about how the death of an unknown labourer on an unidentified farm would have far greater repercussions for them than any upsets within the echelons of power could ever have. Beautifully done, Mr Kay!