Well I have to say that this book is my favourite so far. Having pretty much read 4 in a row I am right back into this story. I was worried that it was going to fizzle out on me as i found it bogging down somewhat in the last book. 
 This book however does pick up the pace a fair bit, especially since the first line in the book mentions a dragon flying, which means after many many pages, finally the bloody dragons are part of the story in reality. I was beginning to think that would be no magic in this book, just some odd races. I don't really count the Spider Priests ability as a magic aspect, because those of you who have read Bakkers Series know that telling whether people are telling the truth is easy when there are hundreds of facial muscles. 
 Back the story. I really have enjoyed the continuing cultivation of the main characters in this book. I love the Marcus/Yardem less is good conversations and I have really enjoyed the growth of Cithrin, flaws and all. I still believe that Geder has the potential to be an amazing character, I think he is really good, but there is so much the author could do with this character. i was a little disappointed at his love sickness in this, but given the work that the author put in to get him to that position I am forgiving. I am hoping that in book 5, we see Geder start to have some doubts in the Goddess and start to question what he is doing. I am thinking we are seeing hints of that with the way he has begun to act as Uncle Geder. 
 One last comment, Marcus and the Dragon chatting has been 9so far) a fun read that has me smiling. 
 Looking forward to leaping into the next one and seeing how these characters play out.