SOME REAL SPOILERS SO BE CAREFUL!!
The reason I rated this book five stars when most people will have given it a four is because I think it is incredibly moving. I had quite a strop when Jik first died & when we discovered Seth's true identity. Although this book isn't as good as the first one, I find the end better. I nearly had a stroke when we discovered Skerridge was Simeon Dark!! And then, five minutes later we learned that Jonas was Nin's brother all along! I have to say I didn't really want Skerridge to be Dark, I wanted either Stanley/Floyd to be it. I kind of miss the character of Skerridge as himself and an individual as opposed to this whole other character. And although Dark's persona fitted him perfectly, you have to admit, it was quite a surprise! The reason I found it moving was because of everyone's determination. Jik, Jonas, Floyd, Stanley, they weren't going down without a fight. Jibbit was one of my favourite though, because he really made me laugh. Him, Strood and Skerridge always came up with something to make me chuckle. Oh Strood, what a way to go! I loved his death and think it served him just right. It occurred to me though, that Nin never mentioned the fact that Gan Mafig was imprisoned to anyone. And we never found out whether the Land just died a slower death or was revived completely. This things befuddle me!!!!!