As with other reviewers, I struggle with reviewing this one. I loved and devoured the first two books in this series, but found this one slower to get into, although I was able to race through the final pages in my usual Pierce-reading style. And, I have loved and read all of Pierce's books for years and years, so it comes across as betraying a friend to hold any bad opinions about one of them! 
 (view spoiler)[The twist at the end wasn't well supported up until that point or woven into the story in such a way that convinced me that it was real--even as I turned the final pages I was trying to convince myself that yes, that IS what happened, deal with it, because I could not believe that the character which had been developed over the series suddenly changed. I disliked that immensely. Additionally, this book did feel sluggish at times and not Pierce's usual deft fast-paced style. I grew to really love the character of Farmer, but I agree with other reviewers, I sorely missed all of Beka's friends from the first book, especially Rosto, whom I could not believe wasn't going to be a bigger character. I was absolutely convinced she would end up choosing him. (hide spoiler)] 
 That all said, I read through it because I needed and wanted to know what happened next; it is still a very good book, even if I felt disappointed at the end, and with too many loose threads. The first two books of the series in my mind shine; this one isn't bad at all, but fails to live up to Terrier and Bloodhound.