So this one took a lot longer to read than the other two. Mostly because it was a physical copy and I was trying to read it during my work week. 
 I didn't love the story presented here as much as I loved the one in Knight's Shadow. I think mostly because it had a lot to do with religion as a general theme and for whatever reason it just wasn't doing as much for me in this setting. But there were several parts where I wanted to sob like a baby and did, in fact, cry. Any book that can wield that kind of power in me gets an automatic five stars. 
 The greatcoats are still fighting to keep Aline alive and get her to the throne, but the threat that rises up to take its place is one no one has ever seen before. People are making an army of mad men who feel no pain and are perfectly willing to die for their cause. They are pretty hard to kill on top of it. Someone wants the church to rule and not a queen, but it is not the current church. A new religion is being formed to challenge the throne. I don't want to say much more than this for fear of spoiling anything. 
 This novel is much darker than the previous two, so some of the light hearted laughs weren't as present in this book as in Traitor's Blade and Knight's Shadow, but there was still a whole lot to feel for these characters. Brasti Goodbow is still Brasti Goodbow, cracking jokes at every possible badly timed moment. Kest is dealing with the aftermath of losing his hand. And Falcio is still dealing with ghosts of the past. Kest and Falcio do seem to reach some kind of resolution to their issues and though some of it is heartbreaking, they were well-resolved conflicts. 
 The writing is excellent, as it has been. The world building is sound and sensible and built upon and added to as the adventure continues with these characters. I can't wait to continue on to Tyrant's Throne! 
 Also- I didn't mention it in my previous review, but I am one of those readers who goes through the acknowledgements, especially when they are short and sweet, and I love the tidbits of information the author has left for us there. The one at the end of this book was perfect.