A slow start was the only thing that prevented this being a five star read. Because it tells Fitz's autobiography from the age of six when his being dumped by his mother's father at a military post leads to the downfall of his princely father Chivalry, up to then the heir to the throne of the Six Duchies, there's a long build-up until Fitz finally starts receiving an education and being dragged into politics in which his existence is ultimately endangered. 
 The second half of the book was compelling. Fitz falls under the malign control of Galen who is meant to be training him in the Skill, an hereditary telepathic ability desperately needed with the kingdom threatened by terrible enemies. The tension in this section was maintained throughout, leading up to the climax which was a tour de force, and so this part of the story, where Fitz is starting to do King Shrewd's dirty work and finds an unexpected friend, had great suspense and vividness. 
 The one thing that did surprise me about Hobbs' books in contrast to her Ki series as Megan Lindholm, is the relative paucity of strong or positive women. There are quite a few weak and negative ones such as the queen, and even Lady Patience who after many years forgives Fitz's effect on her husband's life, is thought to be scatty and unreasonable. Fitz's childhood friend Molly is a victim who begins to turn her life around, but even she ultimately disappoints expectations. Only in the final section when Fitz goes on the embassy to the mountain country do we finally come across strong and capable female characters.