Another good read. 
 Update re-read in preparation for March's finale release: Like the first, this one improved on re-read. Again, I can't quite force myself to upgrade it from 4 stars to 5. (In fact, all my original ratings will hold as far as Goodreads stars go.) Cithrin remains a little too competent, Marcus a bit too draggy tortured hero, but I love the whole flawed lot of characters, politics, and impending doom. 
 (view spoiler)[ 
 Geder is, indeed (to forward reference), a bad loan and you can see the trap of putting a thin skinned overcompensating and underqualified character in a position of power and influence. All of Geder's flaws really tie back to his (mostly) well intended social awkwardness and his emotional meltdowns. It's certainly a curious take on Aspergers. The Dagger and the Coin can be read as a disturbing meditation on how autism can equate to pure evil, which is not something you might say about most high fantasy multi-book series. 
 This read through I really appreciated how deeply awful not just Geder but all the characters, especially Dawson and Clara (especially at this point) are. They never question their position, their power, their chained house slaves, minor details like hanging poachers, and so forth. The only characters who rise above pettiness are Yardem and Kit, both ex-priests with a bit of worldliness under their belts. 
 As for the Basrahip, what kind of man is looking for someone who can truthfully say "The mean boys treated me badly so I want revenge" as a jumping off point for remaking society for his Spider goddess? I suppose Basrahip saw Geder as an easily dominated high born prince who could be manipulated to his own ends. When book 5 comes out, I'm sure he's going to regret that decision, but it just seems strange that he put the power of the Spiders in the hands of such a petty incompetent tyrant. (hide spoiler)]