Emperor Mage is probably my favorite book out of the quartet. I love the rest, but there's just something about this one that makes me wish it would never end, (view spoiler)[even the chapter Falling can't sway me to loving the finale book more (hide spoiler)]. The third book in Tamora Pierce's Immortals Quartet, is the perfect blend of political intrigue, adventure, and the continuing growth of Daine's powers. This girl can seriously kick some butt. This series is definitely worth checking out. 
 (view spoiler)[I will forever ship Numair and Daine. I don't even care about the age difference. I know some people get in a tizzy about it, but then there's me yelling at them to stop being idiots and to realize they love each other already. lol (hide spoiler)]