Helpful Score: 1
Long conclusion to a long series. The journey back to civilization is not as interesting as the previous books. Roger has changed, but his family is gone, his Mother is damaged and he needs to assume major responsibilities- after disposing of a lot of treacherous plotters. It is a bit dark, as Roger is essentially avenging his dead siblings and deposing his own Mother to gain a position he does not even want to hold. The necessities of state are not as riveting as the necessities of survival, though equally dangerous. He ends up with the girl, who is finally convinced to marry for the needs of the state. Her future is to act as the ruler's counterweight, govern his temper in the future and provide an heir to the empire. Not exactly romantic. Good conclusion, but more somber and less of a romp. Lot of focus on the limits of power and how easily it can force bad choices for better ends.
