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The House War #5
Battle: The House War: Book Five
The weeks since Jewel Markess ATerafin has been acclaimed ruler of her House have not been peaceful; four assassination attempts have been made on her life, and one of the most important members of her House Council has been forced to retire, leaving a seat empty at a time when she requires trusted allies.
The war in the distant South has ended; the armies, victorious, have returned to Averalaan. During the victory parade of the Kings' armies, the fifth assassination attempt occurs--in full view of the Ten, the Kings, and thousands of spectators. To survive, Jewel takes to the sky on the back of a winged cat; she returns to the Terafin Manse, leaving demonic destruction in her wake, the demon itself in pursuit. In the forest behind her manse, she has the power—barely—to stand against the demon; she does not have the power to destroy it.
In the aftermath of the Terafin's funeral, the Kings have demanded an audience with the newest ruler of House Terafin. A single, careless command given to the elemental earth on the day of the funeral has caused unexplained and disturbing changes to the palace itself. But before Jewel can answer the summons, she falls prey to the strange, sleeping plague that has felled citizens across the city of Averalaan—from the poorest of holdings to the wealthiest of mansions across the Isle.
It is there—in the uneasy land of dreams—that Jewel discovers the reason for the sickness, and there that she begins to understand the forces arrayed against both her House and the Empire; if she can survive the traps set by the Warden of Dreams and by her deadly, former allies, she will wake to a changed world—if she wakes at all.
The war in the distant South has ended; the armies, victorious, have returned to Averalaan. During the victory parade of the Kings' armies, the fifth assassination attempt occurs--in full view of the Ten, the Kings, and thousands of spectators. To survive, Jewel takes to the sky on the back of a winged cat; she returns to the Terafin Manse, leaving demonic destruction in her wake, the demon itself in pursuit. In the forest behind her manse, she has the power—barely—to stand against the demon; she does not have the power to destroy it.
In the aftermath of the Terafin's funeral, the Kings have demanded an audience with the newest ruler of House Terafin. A single, careless command given to the elemental earth on the day of the funeral has caused unexplained and disturbing changes to the palace itself. But before Jewel can answer the summons, she falls prey to the strange, sleeping plague that has felled citizens across the city of Averalaan—from the poorest of holdings to the wealthiest of mansions across the Isle.
It is there—in the uneasy land of dreams—that Jewel discovers the reason for the sickness, and there that she begins to understand the forces arrayed against both her House and the Empire; if she can survive the traps set by the Warden of Dreams and by her deadly, former allies, she will wake to a changed world—if she wakes at all.
676 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2012
41 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Michelle West
73 books467 followersSee also:
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle Sagara
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle Sagara
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 21, 2013
Michelle West has invented an incredibly detailed world in this series. Her characters live. They nigh near breathe our air and eat our food. There are so many richly written characters, that heroes from one volume to the other, are added and removed from the mix, and we barely miss them because of the superb character development and incredible world that they inhabit.
But a novel, no matter how rich its characterizations and world must intrigue the reader. It must be a journey of discovery and growth. I will keep reading West richly textured world because I love the characters and world, but this whole series has become so Jordanesque, its frightening.
The plot of the overall series is barely advanced. Some secrets of some characters are revealed. Other characters disappear for great lengths of the novel. Political maneuvering is rampant but barely anything happens.
The title is completely inconsistent with the tenor of the novel. At best, the novel should have been called "girding for battle",
And where does the novel leave off, exactly where we can predict.
So, while those of you like me are stuck in the series, all we can wish is that West could cut down on the engrossing prose and great world building, and get on with it.
But a novel, no matter how rich its characterizations and world must intrigue the reader. It must be a journey of discovery and growth. I will keep reading West richly textured world because I love the characters and world, but this whole series has become so Jordanesque, its frightening.
The plot of the overall series is barely advanced. Some secrets of some characters are revealed. Other characters disappear for great lengths of the novel. Political maneuvering is rampant but barely anything happens.
The title is completely inconsistent with the tenor of the novel. At best, the novel should have been called "girding for battle",
And where does the novel leave off, exactly where we can predict.
So, while those of you like me are stuck in the series, all we can wish is that West could cut down on the engrossing prose and great world building, and get on with it.
January 7, 2013
MASSIVE spoilers abound:
We are in territory now where it would not only be good to have read all the previous House War books but preferably the whole Sun Sword series as well.
Developments that were hinted at from the start are starting to really bear fruit, with regards to Meralonne (god, it took me a LONG time to realise what he is and while I finally managed to see it at the start of this book and it isn't confirmed until the last 200 hundred pages, I feel stupid ^^) with regards to the sleepers (I never would have guessed), with regards to Angel (his whole history), Teller and Finch's role in their current life.
I hate when important characters die or vanish, so I hated what happened to Ellerson and Carver - although I can see it as another reason why Jewel is really committing now (and doing it from her previous experience with much better grace and preparation) to whatever will save the safe harbour for her den.
This book has two main arcs - magical developments of Jewel grappling with and accepting her increasing power and the various old ones that are attracted to it or awakened by it (I love the slight twist on elven forests especially as embodied by the Elleriannatte) which often takes place in sleep (I'm so glad she manages to wake the human dreamers here) - and I love what happens to the Terafin mansion because of it - the other main arc is the political manoeuvring of surviving the consequences of having had to use her power and gathering/securing the allegiance of various people she believes are necessary to the survival of the House, especially when she leaves.
De facto the plot has to be in two strands again, one Jewel's travails on her way to the Oracle and finding the Winter Queen and one about the den holding House Terafin and the city until she returns. I don't see (financially) how MSW can afford to have another six books (a la the time-line of the Sun Sword series) to resolve this, but I certainly expect another two books before the book of confrontation with Allasakar.
The Jody Lee cover picks up a lot of the plot elements again if you look carefully. It's Meralonne, but I thought the blue sword was a clear give away in the first place.
Who was left dangling: what happened to Ellerson and why is he no longer mentioned at the end of the book when we at least have some hints as to the fate of Carver? He deserves better.
Also, I think this must have only been two weeks advancing in the time line again. I mean I can see that once the first skirmish within the House War and with the demons led to Jewel being confirmed and really showing the possible extent of her powers, this book had to show first attacks on all fronts, before she could reach her full potential, but as (unfortunately) MSW hasn't reached the acclaim of Rothfuss or Martin or Jordan I am sort of dreading not even this arc of the story being completed.
The Elantra books, for all they have their recurring bad guy, feel (except for the very last current one) as if you could leave Kaylin after a book and she and her crowd would deal with whatever came up.
These books really need a resolution - they should make a hell of great reread (like the Sun Sword series does) after they are finished, with all those twists interweaving, but until then the nerves remain fraught.
We are in territory now where it would not only be good to have read all the previous House War books but preferably the whole Sun Sword series as well.
Developments that were hinted at from the start are starting to really bear fruit, with regards to Meralonne (god, it took me a LONG time to realise what he is and while I finally managed to see it at the start of this book and it isn't confirmed until the last 200 hundred pages, I feel stupid ^^) with regards to the sleepers (I never would have guessed), with regards to Angel (his whole history), Teller and Finch's role in their current life.
I hate when important characters die or vanish, so I hated what happened to Ellerson and Carver - although I can see it as another reason why Jewel is really committing now (and doing it from her previous experience with much better grace and preparation) to whatever will save the safe harbour for her den.
This book has two main arcs - magical developments of Jewel grappling with and accepting her increasing power and the various old ones that are attracted to it or awakened by it (I love the slight twist on elven forests especially as embodied by the Elleriannatte) which often takes place in sleep (I'm so glad she manages to wake the human dreamers here) - and I love what happens to the Terafin mansion because of it - the other main arc is the political manoeuvring of surviving the consequences of having had to use her power and gathering/securing the allegiance of various people she believes are necessary to the survival of the House, especially when she leaves.
De facto the plot has to be in two strands again, one Jewel's travails on her way to the Oracle and finding the Winter Queen and one about the den holding House Terafin and the city until she returns. I don't see (financially) how MSW can afford to have another six books (a la the time-line of the Sun Sword series) to resolve this, but I certainly expect another two books before the book of confrontation with Allasakar.
The Jody Lee cover picks up a lot of the plot elements again if you look carefully. It's Meralonne, but I thought the blue sword was a clear give away in the first place.
Who was left dangling: what happened to Ellerson and why is he no longer mentioned at the end of the book when we at least have some hints as to the fate of Carver? He deserves better.
Also, I think this must have only been two weeks advancing in the time line again. I mean I can see that once the first skirmish within the House War and with the demons led to Jewel being confirmed and really showing the possible extent of her powers, this book had to show first attacks on all fronts, before she could reach her full potential, but as (unfortunately) MSW hasn't reached the acclaim of Rothfuss or Martin or Jordan I am sort of dreading not even this arc of the story being completed.
The Elantra books, for all they have their recurring bad guy, feel (except for the very last current one) as if you could leave Kaylin after a book and she and her crowd would deal with whatever came up.
These books really need a resolution - they should make a hell of great reread (like the Sun Sword series does) after they are finished, with all those twists interweaving, but until then the nerves remain fraught.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2013
Ironically, like the Hobbit movie that I saw with kids and grandkids yesterday and people had been saying was overlong(?), it was both awesome and insufficient. at 676 pages. It left me hoping that the next book War is broken into two parts. (sorry Michelle, I know you don't want people to encourage you in your weakness). It was definitely a "transition" book which I'm normally not a huge fan of, wrapping up some questions and plot threads, while setting up the next book with lots of portents and clues. But in this case I make an exception as the politics and interactions of all the minor characters were intricate and sensible.
August 13, 2014
Some people in other reviews have compared both the West novels and the Sagara novels to Robert Jordan and Stephen Donaldson and their propensity to get lost. I do not hold with this view. I do not understands folks craving for juvenile short books that lack complexity of prose, or dialog, or scenes. Do folks not read Moby Dick anymore? Or War and Peace? Grapes of Wrath?
Michelle has never lost control of her narrative; she holds firmly onto the reins of her stories, she knows exactly where the cart is, where the horse is and where they are on the road and in relation to their destination. Jordan got lost, he took a left turn and wandered onto the Hidden Paths and was never able to find his way back.
Don't get me wrong, I love YA, juvenile books, I am currently re-reading E.E. Doc Smith's Skylark series. I love Robert Heinlein's YA books. But sometimes, I want a Tome, I want a book that I have to read and re-read, that can act as a boat anchor to an Aircraft Carrier.
Michelle's book fill that need for me. I have read Skirmish and Battle at least four times. And the other's at least twice. Complex? Dense? Dialog you actually have to pay attention too? Yes. But I know that Michelle knows exactly where she is going.
Do I think Jewel has still not grown enough? Yes. But I understand her dislike for what she knows she must become. I understand her fear that she will become something that no longer cares for the things that matter most to her now -- if she is to become what she must become. I understand her fear at loosing everything she loves. I understand her need to protect the things that matter most to her.
She will become Sen Adept. She will visit the Oracle. She will build the Fifth City Of Man. She will stand against Allasakar. She will find a way to grant Viandaran the wish of his heart. She will find a way to preserve what she can; and sacrifice those she must.
I know all of this because of the care with which Michelle has written her books. You might say, she could have done so in half the space and half the dialog. I for one, am glad she did not, it gives me more to savor, like a fine French meal. Something to savor over the course of hours, rather than gulping it down like a happy meal that has all the flavor of sawdust and the consistency of cardboard.
Michelle has never lost control of her narrative; she holds firmly onto the reins of her stories, she knows exactly where the cart is, where the horse is and where they are on the road and in relation to their destination. Jordan got lost, he took a left turn and wandered onto the Hidden Paths and was never able to find his way back.
Don't get me wrong, I love YA, juvenile books, I am currently re-reading E.E. Doc Smith's Skylark series. I love Robert Heinlein's YA books. But sometimes, I want a Tome, I want a book that I have to read and re-read, that can act as a boat anchor to an Aircraft Carrier.
Michelle's book fill that need for me. I have read Skirmish and Battle at least four times. And the other's at least twice. Complex? Dense? Dialog you actually have to pay attention too? Yes. But I know that Michelle knows exactly where she is going.
Do I think Jewel has still not grown enough? Yes. But I understand her dislike for what she knows she must become. I understand her fear that she will become something that no longer cares for the things that matter most to her now -- if she is to become what she must become. I understand her fear at loosing everything she loves. I understand her need to protect the things that matter most to her.
She will become Sen Adept. She will visit the Oracle. She will build the Fifth City Of Man. She will stand against Allasakar. She will find a way to grant Viandaran the wish of his heart. She will find a way to preserve what she can; and sacrifice those she must.
I know all of this because of the care with which Michelle has written her books. You might say, she could have done so in half the space and half the dialog. I for one, am glad she did not, it gives me more to savor, like a fine French meal. Something to savor over the course of hours, rather than gulping it down like a happy meal that has all the flavor of sawdust and the consistency of cardboard.
January 7, 2013
Great continuation of the House War series. Many questions are answered about the Arianni, Meralonne, and the nature of Jewel's growing power. A must-read for West fans, and those who love intricate fantasy mixed with politics.
May 6, 2024
All the characters that I care about are starting to converge in the story line! Huzzah!
I am, of course, jumping straight into the next book, but I do have some questions that are nagging at me.
Evayne. Evayne is the daughter of the God of Man, she doesn't have gold eyes like all of the other godborn because according to Meralonne, her father walks this world plane. But that doesn't make sense. Why? Because Kiriel was conceived in this world while her father was in this plane as well, and she has gold eyes. Also, Espere's father also walked this plane and conceived her in this world and she also has gold eyes. Also, even though we haven't met him yet, the newest child of Bredan, fathered in the form of Stephen, was also conceived in this world and he also has gold eyes. So why is Evayne different?
The other question is Andrei. How does he know all of the stuff he knows? Why is he content to work for Hectore? Hectore is kind of condescending to him, doesn't he mind?
I am, of course, jumping straight into the next book, but I do have some questions that are nagging at me.
Evayne. Evayne is the daughter of the God of Man, she doesn't have gold eyes like all of the other godborn because according to Meralonne, her father walks this world plane. But that doesn't make sense. Why? Because Kiriel was conceived in this world while her father was in this plane as well, and she has gold eyes. Also, Espere's father also walked this plane and conceived her in this world and she also has gold eyes. Also, even though we haven't met him yet, the newest child of Bredan, fathered in the form of Stephen, was also conceived in this world and he also has gold eyes. So why is Evayne different?
The other question is Andrei. How does he know all of the stuff he knows? Why is he content to work for Hectore? Hectore is kind of condescending to him, doesn't he mind?
January 2, 2023
I'm consistently amazed by how engaged I can be in these books despite how little plot might happen. And we finally learn more about Meralonne after 13 books!
March 7, 2013
I'm fairly certain my overall response to this book can be summed up by a fangirlish "EEEEEE!!!"
I adore the Sacred Hunt/Sun Sword/House War books. I reread the entire set (12 books, not including Battle) in anticipation of this, just so everything would be fresh and I would remember all of the questions I had that, every book, I hoped would be answered. And the one biggest one was! (I'll gush a bit later under a spoiler tag)
These books have always included a lot of the political maneuvering that goes on - this one gets more into The Ten, rather than just internal House politics as some of the previous House War books have. Jewel must also deal with the repercussions of the events of Amarais' funeral as well as relatively frequent assassination attempts. The house council remains touchy, both with the standing councillors and others who want to be on the council. As, given that it's House politics, we get to see a lot more of Finch and Teller, who have really grown into their positions.
But in the midst of all of this, we see what I would think is the "battle" of the title. I've seen a couple of reviews where people felt there should have been more action, but I don't think it's meant to be that kind of battle. It's been long established that Jewel is important to the ultimate survival of Averalaan (at minimum) in the overall war with the Lord of the Hells. She's never been a fighter - she's a leader and has some unique and special abilities, so her battles are in less combat-oriented aspects of the war. The rest of this thought is a tad spoiler-y, so I'll put it under a tag...
But to get to the end of this review, my advice is: READ IT! If you liked the others, at any rate. The other books need to be read first (you can probably skip the Sacred Hunt duology, since most of the stuff important to this is in the earlier books of The House War, but The Sun Sword needs to be read, at least the parts Jewel is in), but entirely worth it.
And now, for my excited moment, which I'm putting behind the cut for those who are extra spoiler-averse, but I'm not putting in the actual reveal, just what character it relates to...
I adore the Sacred Hunt/Sun Sword/House War books. I reread the entire set (12 books, not including Battle) in anticipation of this, just so everything would be fresh and I would remember all of the questions I had that, every book, I hoped would be answered. And the one biggest one was! (I'll gush a bit later under a spoiler tag)
These books have always included a lot of the political maneuvering that goes on - this one gets more into The Ten, rather than just internal House politics as some of the previous House War books have. Jewel must also deal with the repercussions of the events of Amarais' funeral as well as relatively frequent assassination attempts. The house council remains touchy, both with the standing councillors and others who want to be on the council. As, given that it's House politics, we get to see a lot more of Finch and Teller, who have really grown into their positions.
But in the midst of all of this, we see what I would think is the "battle" of the title. I've seen a couple of reviews where people felt there should have been more action, but I don't think it's meant to be that kind of battle. It's been long established that Jewel is important to the ultimate survival of Averalaan (at minimum) in the overall war with the Lord of the Hells. She's never been a fighter - she's a leader and has some unique and special abilities, so her battles are in less combat-oriented aspects of the war. The rest of this thought is a tad spoiler-y, so I'll put it under a tag...
But to get to the end of this review, my advice is: READ IT! If you liked the others, at any rate. The other books need to be read first (you can probably skip the Sacred Hunt duology, since most of the stuff important to this is in the earlier books of The House War, but The Sun Sword needs to be read, at least the parts Jewel is in), but entirely worth it.
And now, for my excited moment, which I'm putting behind the cut for those who are extra spoiler-averse, but I'm not putting in the actual reveal, just what character it relates to...
July 14, 2023
Now that I'm done with Battle, it looks as though it's safe to skip the first three House War books if you want to discover what happens next after the end of the events chronicled in the Sun Sword series. As was the case with Skirmish, Michelle West refers to a lot of past events/relationships regarding Jewel and her den, but she always provides enough context for readers to understand what's going on. Like in the Sun Sword novels, you understand that there's more to this or that plotline, and I'm fairly sure that there are some nuances that I failed to grasp to their full extent, but other than that it's pretty much smooth sailing the whole way through.
Like its predecessor, Battle fails to recapture the epicness and the awesomeness of The Sun Sword. It's a better novel than Skirmish, and in scope and vision it continues to be amazing. The main problem remains Jewel and the pivotal role she plays in the House War series. Two installments in, it's evident that Jewel alone cannot carry such a complex tale on her shoulders. Regardless of how fascinating some of the plot twists involving her turned out to be, when it's great it's often in spite of Jewel, not because of her. She remains the same insufferable and annoying young woman we've known for quite a while, with very little character growth to speak of. As I mentioned in my previous review, The Sun Sword benefited from its diverse cast, all of whom having important roles to play in the outcome of the series. The downsizing of the House War books is definitely detrimental to the series as a whole.
Here's the blurb:
In this epic fantasy series for fans of George R. R. Martin and Robin Hobb, Jewel Markess must contend with deadly court politics, and visions of looming magical threats.
The weeks since Jewel Markess ATerafin has been acclaimed ruler of her House have not been peaceful: four assassination attempts have been made on her life, and one of the most important members of her House Council has been forced to retire, leaving a seat empty at a time when she requires trusted allies.
The war in the distant South has ended, and the Kings’ armies are victorious. During a victory parade to celebrate their return to Averalaan, a fifth assassination attempt occurs—in full view of the Ten, the Kings, and thousands of spectators. In response, the Kings have demanded an audience with the newest ruler of House Terafin. But before Jewel can answer the summons, she falls prey to the strange, sleeping plague that has felled citizens across the city of Averalaan.
It is there—in the uneasy land of dreams—that Jewel discovers the reason for the sickness and begins to understand the forces arrayed against her House and the Empire. If she can survive the traps set by the Warden of Dreams and by her deadly, former allies, Jewel will wake to a changed world—if she wakes at all.
Skirmish began at the exact point where Jewel's storyline ended in The Sun Sword and only covered a period of three days afterward. This short span of time and the small number of perspectives made that novel a decidedly more self-contained work than those that came before. Still, compared to the sprawling and elaborate Sun Sword yarns, it also made Skirmish West's weakest Essalieyan novel to date. Battle turned out to be better, but it also suffers from the same shortcomings that plagued Skirmish. The relatively short time span covered in this one means that we've gone through about 1500 pages and we don't have a whole lot to show for it. Considering how much went on in the previous series, the House War can't be anything but a disappointment thus far.
As a matter of course, the worldbuilding continues to be awesome. In many ways, it's what is holding the story together at the moment. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a depth to Michelle West's universe that rivals that of Tolkien, Erikson, and Bakker. And although Skirmish was limited to the story arcs of Jewel and her entourage, there was more than enough material for West to continue to push the envelope in that regard. Battle raised the bar even higher, though it takes a while for things to look up. Once again, though she remains unaware of the full extent of her seer-born powers, Jewel's strength grows in unexpected ways that leave their mark on House Terafin and Averalaan. So much so that the Kings and the Exalted now perceive Jewel as a threat and are pondering whether or not she should be eliminated before she loses control and wreaks havoc across the capital city. New revelations about Avandar, Lord Celleriant, Sigurne, Meralonne, the Oracle, and the Winter Court add yet new layers to what is truly one of the most convoluted fantasy series of all time.
Sadly, the characterization continues to leave something to be desired. As mentioned in my review of Skirmish, I believe that your mileage will vary regarding this. Readers who love Jewel will likely enjoy this novel as much as the others. Perhaps more, to be honest. For those for whom, like me, Jewel is just one of the protagonists and not their favorite, it remains very tricky. I doubt that Jewel can carry this series on her own, ever. Again, I'm missing the thoughtful perspectives of such flawed protagonists as Diora, Teresa, Kallandras, Margret, Valedan, Alina, Ser Anton, and others. So far, even though West is trying to give more importance to Finch and Teller, no other characters have really stepped up to the plate. As a result, the characterization aspect is decidedly weaker in this series. Everything that has to do with House politics/business remains rather boring. I mean, what could be the end of the world is coming, so why must we go through so many tedious scenes involving the House responsibilities of Finch and Teller? Thankfully, Kallandras returns from the South at the end of the novel and hopefully his reunion with Lord Celleriant will be one of the highlights of the House War moving forward.
Like its predecessor, the pace throughout Battle can be quite uneven. As was the case with Skirmish, everything that has to do with the greater scheme of things is interesting and the implications for the future quite engrossing. Michelle West upped her game in that regard and we finally get answers to some questions that go back several books. However, dealing with the minutiae of House business continues to make for long and boring chapters. It often feels as though Skirmish and Battle could have been but a single novel given the amount of what feels like superfluous material found in both books. Having said that, West brings this novel to its conclusion with an enthralling endgame that helps you forget about the more monotonous moments that came close to sinking this one at various stages of the tale.
When it's good, Battle can rival with any Sun Sword installment. But when it's not, it's hard to maintain focus and enjoy the story.
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Like its predecessor, Battle fails to recapture the epicness and the awesomeness of The Sun Sword. It's a better novel than Skirmish, and in scope and vision it continues to be amazing. The main problem remains Jewel and the pivotal role she plays in the House War series. Two installments in, it's evident that Jewel alone cannot carry such a complex tale on her shoulders. Regardless of how fascinating some of the plot twists involving her turned out to be, when it's great it's often in spite of Jewel, not because of her. She remains the same insufferable and annoying young woman we've known for quite a while, with very little character growth to speak of. As I mentioned in my previous review, The Sun Sword benefited from its diverse cast, all of whom having important roles to play in the outcome of the series. The downsizing of the House War books is definitely detrimental to the series as a whole.
Here's the blurb:
In this epic fantasy series for fans of George R. R. Martin and Robin Hobb, Jewel Markess must contend with deadly court politics, and visions of looming magical threats.
The weeks since Jewel Markess ATerafin has been acclaimed ruler of her House have not been peaceful: four assassination attempts have been made on her life, and one of the most important members of her House Council has been forced to retire, leaving a seat empty at a time when she requires trusted allies.
The war in the distant South has ended, and the Kings’ armies are victorious. During a victory parade to celebrate their return to Averalaan, a fifth assassination attempt occurs—in full view of the Ten, the Kings, and thousands of spectators. In response, the Kings have demanded an audience with the newest ruler of House Terafin. But before Jewel can answer the summons, she falls prey to the strange, sleeping plague that has felled citizens across the city of Averalaan.
It is there—in the uneasy land of dreams—that Jewel discovers the reason for the sickness and begins to understand the forces arrayed against her House and the Empire. If she can survive the traps set by the Warden of Dreams and by her deadly, former allies, Jewel will wake to a changed world—if she wakes at all.
Skirmish began at the exact point where Jewel's storyline ended in The Sun Sword and only covered a period of three days afterward. This short span of time and the small number of perspectives made that novel a decidedly more self-contained work than those that came before. Still, compared to the sprawling and elaborate Sun Sword yarns, it also made Skirmish West's weakest Essalieyan novel to date. Battle turned out to be better, but it also suffers from the same shortcomings that plagued Skirmish. The relatively short time span covered in this one means that we've gone through about 1500 pages and we don't have a whole lot to show for it. Considering how much went on in the previous series, the House War can't be anything but a disappointment thus far.
As a matter of course, the worldbuilding continues to be awesome. In many ways, it's what is holding the story together at the moment. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a depth to Michelle West's universe that rivals that of Tolkien, Erikson, and Bakker. And although Skirmish was limited to the story arcs of Jewel and her entourage, there was more than enough material for West to continue to push the envelope in that regard. Battle raised the bar even higher, though it takes a while for things to look up. Once again, though she remains unaware of the full extent of her seer-born powers, Jewel's strength grows in unexpected ways that leave their mark on House Terafin and Averalaan. So much so that the Kings and the Exalted now perceive Jewel as a threat and are pondering whether or not she should be eliminated before she loses control and wreaks havoc across the capital city. New revelations about Avandar, Lord Celleriant, Sigurne, Meralonne, the Oracle, and the Winter Court add yet new layers to what is truly one of the most convoluted fantasy series of all time.
Sadly, the characterization continues to leave something to be desired. As mentioned in my review of Skirmish, I believe that your mileage will vary regarding this. Readers who love Jewel will likely enjoy this novel as much as the others. Perhaps more, to be honest. For those for whom, like me, Jewel is just one of the protagonists and not their favorite, it remains very tricky. I doubt that Jewel can carry this series on her own, ever. Again, I'm missing the thoughtful perspectives of such flawed protagonists as Diora, Teresa, Kallandras, Margret, Valedan, Alina, Ser Anton, and others. So far, even though West is trying to give more importance to Finch and Teller, no other characters have really stepped up to the plate. As a result, the characterization aspect is decidedly weaker in this series. Everything that has to do with House politics/business remains rather boring. I mean, what could be the end of the world is coming, so why must we go through so many tedious scenes involving the House responsibilities of Finch and Teller? Thankfully, Kallandras returns from the South at the end of the novel and hopefully his reunion with Lord Celleriant will be one of the highlights of the House War moving forward.
Like its predecessor, the pace throughout Battle can be quite uneven. As was the case with Skirmish, everything that has to do with the greater scheme of things is interesting and the implications for the future quite engrossing. Michelle West upped her game in that regard and we finally get answers to some questions that go back several books. However, dealing with the minutiae of House business continues to make for long and boring chapters. It often feels as though Skirmish and Battle could have been but a single novel given the amount of what feels like superfluous material found in both books. Having said that, West brings this novel to its conclusion with an enthralling endgame that helps you forget about the more monotonous moments that came close to sinking this one at various stages of the tale.
When it's good, Battle can rival with any Sun Sword installment. But when it's not, it's hard to maintain focus and enjoy the story.
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
February 22, 2013
4.75 Stars
This author, this series (and to be honest, her others as well) are some of my favorites.
I don't agree when people have said that this is mis-named. There were plenty of battles going on through out this book. Granted, they might not all been physical-bloody-sword-wielding battles, but battles they were. Battles, internal in the house, internal to the characters and positions, between the need for protection and the lesser of 2 possible outcomes. Battles of trust and knowledge and fear.
The only things that somewhat annoyed me were that Jewel, or even Finch (to a much lesser degree), had so many descriptions of getting ready (I guess this could be read as gearing up for a battle, in it's own way) that I found the almost a distraction. Almost. As well as the continous repeat of stating where Jewel and her den are from (aka the 25th holding) that, at this point, if the readers aren't concrete in this fact, they are not reading the books. One or two mentions I can understand, especially if spaced far enough apart. Repeating conversations are not my favorite things to read and this novel had several different ones going on. But you can't always get all of your characters into 1 room and give everyone the same details at the same time.
Overall, this book was amazing. I did not want to stop reading it until it was done. I loved how many of the questions in my mind were answered, only to have more come into play. The writing, was descriptive and was able to pull me into the book to experience along with the characters. It was engrossing, the characters are growing more into themselves and their positions.
This author, this series (and to be honest, her others as well) are some of my favorites.
I don't agree when people have said that this is mis-named. There were plenty of battles going on through out this book. Granted, they might not all been physical-bloody-sword-wielding battles, but battles they were. Battles, internal in the house, internal to the characters and positions, between the need for protection and the lesser of 2 possible outcomes. Battles of trust and knowledge and fear.
The only things that somewhat annoyed me were that Jewel, or even Finch (to a much lesser degree), had so many descriptions of getting ready (I guess this could be read as gearing up for a battle, in it's own way) that I found the almost a distraction. Almost. As well as the continous repeat of stating where Jewel and her den are from (aka the 25th holding) that, at this point, if the readers aren't concrete in this fact, they are not reading the books. One or two mentions I can understand, especially if spaced far enough apart. Repeating conversations are not my favorite things to read and this novel had several different ones going on. But you can't always get all of your characters into 1 room and give everyone the same details at the same time.
Overall, this book was amazing. I did not want to stop reading it until it was done. I loved how many of the questions in my mind were answered, only to have more come into play. The writing, was descriptive and was able to pull me into the book to experience along with the characters. It was engrossing, the characters are growing more into themselves and their positions.
February 21, 2013
Ok, I did enjoy this instalment of the House War saga... But it wasn't a short. - or easy - read.
It's a book I read almost one scene at a time, with space in between each one. I generally loved the interpersonal interactions within the scenes, but wasn't always clear how each scene related to all the others, or the plot overall. And, speaking of plot, I'm not sure I could tell you, having now finished the book, even a quarter of what happened in it.
I've still given it an 8/10 though - I just like spending time with these characters that much
It's a book I read almost one scene at a time, with space in between each one. I generally loved the interpersonal interactions within the scenes, but wasn't always clear how each scene related to all the others, or the plot overall. And, speaking of plot, I'm not sure I could tell you, having now finished the book, even a quarter of what happened in it.
I've still given it an 8/10 though - I just like spending time with these characters that much
January 1, 2014
Four and a half stars. Although I enjoyed this book, all but the last fifth was rather hard going - there is a lot of detail, which is typical of this author, but it wasn't until the last 150 pages that things finally for moving. An I get that Jewel is important, but it's constantly reinforced - and I'm not a huge fan of the 'special snowflake' character. Plus, I'm waiting for her to show some cracks under all this pressure. Good to get some movement on the Angel story - I do think the sword he picked up is going to be important later...
March 31, 2019
Rereading it now, I'd forgotten how much of BATTLE is spent in contemptuous anger at the ignorant cowards who think of themselves as the rulers of that society. A thing happened that we don't understand! We don't know how! Obviously we should kill everyone involved! Just in case! We scared!
There's a bit too much assertion of the competence of characters like Duvari and Jarven and too little evidence of it. I tend to agree with the cats.
There's a bit too much assertion of the competence of characters like Duvari and Jarven and too little evidence of it. I tend to agree with the cats.
January 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot, particularly seeing the viewpoints of Jewel and what’s happening to her, how that is perceived by the kings/Astari/other Ten houses/guilds, and the continuing fallout of the house takeover.
It doesn’t feel like a ton happened, though? Jewel learned a lot more about the dreaming, woke everyone up from the dreaming sickness, and physically changed the Terafin estate + the emperors’ palace, and there were a lot of reactions to each of these things. Oh, and we officially found out who Meralonne was!
Thankfully I liked those reactions and the fantastic nature of the dreamings and the changes, and am looking forward to her oracle quest.
I also thought the whole thing with her subconsciously not waking up the Hannerle to cause her husband to stay in the estate was fascinating, and enjoyed how that played out. Also, glad that Teresa made it to the northern bard guild! Selfishly, I hope not a ton of time is spent Kallandras and Celleriant’s bromance now that Kallandras is back from the south; those parts dragged for me in the Sun Sword novels.
Speaking of, it is kind of a breath of fresh air to not have to deal with a bunch of macho sexist character POVs, no matter how well written they were.
It doesn’t feel like a ton happened, though? Jewel learned a lot more about the dreaming, woke everyone up from the dreaming sickness, and physically changed the Terafin estate + the emperors’ palace, and there were a lot of reactions to each of these things. Oh, and we officially found out who Meralonne was!
Thankfully I liked those reactions and the fantastic nature of the dreamings and the changes, and am looking forward to her oracle quest.
I also thought the whole thing with her subconsciously not waking up the Hannerle to cause her husband to stay in the estate was fascinating, and enjoyed how that played out. Also, glad that Teresa made it to the northern bard guild! Selfishly, I hope not a ton of time is spent Kallandras and Celleriant’s bromance now that Kallandras is back from the south; those parts dragged for me in the Sun Sword novels.
Speaking of, it is kind of a breath of fresh air to not have to deal with a bunch of macho sexist character POVs, no matter how well written they were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
This series is really testing my patience. I’ve read a 14 book series before (the wheel of time) but this series’s plot goes nowhere. It’s still stuck in the same place. There are no interesting characters like the sun sword series. All the characters are so boring. Jewel is a child stuck in a woman’s body. And oh the reparations of the same things over and over again. ‘Raised his eyebrows’ ‘his eyes widened’ PLEASE MAKE IT STOP. The whole plot of the hidden city was once repeated here. WHY?? If you hadn’t read that book, not to worry the author is repeats herself at every given opportunity.
December 26, 2024
Still beautifully written, with incredible world building and court intrigue for days. But this one was a bit harder for me to finish, because the whole second half was just set up for the next book, which looks to be the most epic to date. So onward to that one!
Read it, but know its job in the series is to be the calm before the storm, laying alll the groundwork.
Read it, but know its job in the series is to be the calm before the storm, laying alll the groundwork.
October 2, 2023
3.5 stars
October 5, 2023
i understand how michelle west's writing may not be for everyone... but it sure as hell is for me!!
February 1, 2024
Really enjoyable
October 8, 2025
Strong entry in the series with breath-taking magic. Plus a reveal the author has probably been setting up since book one of the series before this one!
June 23, 2019
The epic series continues and Jewel steps into her own as a true Power in the empire.
If you liked the earlier books, you'll love this one, too.
If you liked the earlier books, you'll love this one, too.
June 26, 2020
I am so glad that I didn't pick up this series until it was finished. I can't imagine waiting years for a book to come out only to get little to no plot advancement. I thought George R.R. Martin was leaving us hanging but at least we got a pretty hefty chunk of action in ADWD. Anyways, I digress.
Jewel is THE Terafin and mad about it, because Jewel is never happy about anything. Why bask in your accomplishment when you can complain that the servants are being too professional? Maybe that was slightly uncharitable seeing as within the first chapter, Jewel is dodging her fourth assassination attempt. Duvari wants her dead because her power is a threat to the Twin Kings, and The Ten wouldn't object because it's hard to maintain your dignity when you're being insulted by a talking winged cat. Jewel's magical forest has extended to structural and metaphysical changes inside the house including an armory full of legendary weapons, ancient grimoires in the library, etc. She doesn't have a chance to learn her new floor plan because she is too busy defending her life and figuring out the sleeping sickness plaguing the city. Jewel actually solves that pretty quickly, only to have Ellerson and Carver disappear into a closet that is actually one of the hidden ways. It's this tragedy that makes Jewel realize that refusing to hone her powers is not only negligent but dangerous, and she makes the decision to go take the Oracle's test.
The best part of the book is spending time with Jewel's grown up den. Angel's story comes full circle in a way that promises to pump up the action later. We also get some interesting Finch and Teller POVs. They do all the political maneuvering that Jewel avoids. Finch, thanks to her years under Jarven, is really good at it. She's becoming one of my favorite characters. Everyone underestimates her but she doesn't care, and shamelessly uses it to her advantage. It's a subtle strength I appreciate. Angel's story comes full circle since Jewel has become the leader his father was searching for. We finally find out who Meralonne is and it's a cool reveal. But after waiting 12 (long, ponderous, plodding) books for it, on a reaction scale from side-eye to WWE wrestler victory chant, it was a wink/snap/finger gun combo.
We're trending in the right direction but I hope there is some significant character growth for Jewel in the next book.
Jewel is THE Terafin and mad about it, because Jewel is never happy about anything. Why bask in your accomplishment when you can complain that the servants are being too professional? Maybe that was slightly uncharitable seeing as within the first chapter, Jewel is dodging her fourth assassination attempt. Duvari wants her dead because her power is a threat to the Twin Kings, and The Ten wouldn't object because it's hard to maintain your dignity when you're being insulted by a talking winged cat. Jewel's magical forest has extended to structural and metaphysical changes inside the house including an armory full of legendary weapons, ancient grimoires in the library, etc. She doesn't have a chance to learn her new floor plan because she is too busy defending her life and figuring out the sleeping sickness plaguing the city. Jewel actually solves that pretty quickly, only to have Ellerson and Carver disappear into a closet that is actually one of the hidden ways. It's this tragedy that makes Jewel realize that refusing to hone her powers is not only negligent but dangerous, and she makes the decision to go take the Oracle's test.
The best part of the book is spending time with Jewel's grown up den. Angel's story comes full circle in a way that promises to pump up the action later. We also get some interesting Finch and Teller POVs. They do all the political maneuvering that Jewel avoids. Finch, thanks to her years under Jarven, is really good at it. She's becoming one of my favorite characters. Everyone underestimates her but she doesn't care, and shamelessly uses it to her advantage. It's a subtle strength I appreciate. Angel's story comes full circle since Jewel has become the leader his father was searching for. We finally find out who Meralonne is and it's a cool reveal. But after waiting 12 (long, ponderous, plodding) books for it, on a reaction scale from side-eye to WWE wrestler victory chant, it was a wink/snap/finger gun combo.
We're trending in the right direction but I hope there is some significant character growth for Jewel in the next book.
Read
January 6, 2021"you are not, yourself, content to sit, to wait, to gather; do not expect - do not impost - that fate on your den."
"is it wrong to care about them?"
"no. but this is not care. it is fear. understand that there is a difference between what you do and what you are afraid to do."
"you're not telling me anything i don't know."
"no. sadly i am not. you will find that people frequently wish to ignore the things they know; they can be quite perceptive about the things they don't; it is exceedingly frustrating. ignoring what you know is unlikely to change the simple facts."
"finch is not the child you rescued in the streets of the holdings. nor is teller. but you guard and hide them as ferociously as if they still were. you let them be competent only in your absence."
"choice was never black and white. it was informed by context, by fear, by hope, or by desperation."
"avowal of innocence, of ignorance, of the harmlessness of intent - those were the tools of a coddled or desperate child, and they had no place in this room."
"we often desire to give to those who will ask for nothing, especially when they take all burdens upon their own shoulders."
"that is hardly likely to make me less of a target."
"nothing will make you less of a target."
"while they were absent, there was hope - but hope was a special kind of pain."
"do not put faith in the things you want to see. desire is the simplest way to manipulate another; it clouds vision, it impedes perception."
"he kept his complaints largely on the correct side of his mouth."
"love clouds vision. sometimes we turn away from the truths we dont want to face when the alternative is too harsh."
"is it wrong to care about them?"
"no. but this is not care. it is fear. understand that there is a difference between what you do and what you are afraid to do."
"you're not telling me anything i don't know."
"no. sadly i am not. you will find that people frequently wish to ignore the things they know; they can be quite perceptive about the things they don't; it is exceedingly frustrating. ignoring what you know is unlikely to change the simple facts."
"finch is not the child you rescued in the streets of the holdings. nor is teller. but you guard and hide them as ferociously as if they still were. you let them be competent only in your absence."
"choice was never black and white. it was informed by context, by fear, by hope, or by desperation."
"avowal of innocence, of ignorance, of the harmlessness of intent - those were the tools of a coddled or desperate child, and they had no place in this room."
"we often desire to give to those who will ask for nothing, especially when they take all burdens upon their own shoulders."
"that is hardly likely to make me less of a target."
"nothing will make you less of a target."
"while they were absent, there was hope - but hope was a special kind of pain."
"do not put faith in the things you want to see. desire is the simplest way to manipulate another; it clouds vision, it impedes perception."
"he kept his complaints largely on the correct side of his mouth."
"love clouds vision. sometimes we turn away from the truths we dont want to face when the alternative is too harsh."
March 15, 2014
Back in the Elantra series I said "Sagara is a very prosaic author." People politely pointed out that I skipped eight of her books, and I maybe shouldn't make assumptions. So maybe she's a writer of very mannered, abstract fantasy who took a sharp turn to write about Kaylin Neya, pragmatic beat cop? And then used some of the same tropes to construct Jewel Markess's childhood?
If so, _Battle_ is back to the mannered-and-abstract stuff. The important characters are all politicians, tailors, butlers, or immortal elf-mages, and so they all have impeccable manners and perfect poker faces. Yes, there are cracks and strains and subtle implications. But I'm starting to suspect that the author threw in three cranky talking cats just so that somebody could *swear* and *claw the furniture* once in a while. On Jewel's behalf.
It's a solid story. Stuff happens. But the book is just a little bit of an impenetrable foot-thick slab. I had to take a break halfway through to inhale a Peter Grant novel.
If so, _Battle_ is back to the mannered-and-abstract stuff. The important characters are all politicians, tailors, butlers, or immortal elf-mages, and so they all have impeccable manners and perfect poker faces. Yes, there are cracks and strains and subtle implications. But I'm starting to suspect that the author threw in three cranky talking cats just so that somebody could *swear* and *claw the furniture* once in a while. On Jewel's behalf.
It's a solid story. Stuff happens. But the book is just a little bit of an impenetrable foot-thick slab. I had to take a break halfway through to inhale a Peter Grant novel.
January 30, 2013
I love Michelle Sagara West's books. She's got 3 series going now, and I'm reading them all; they are all distinctly different worlds; they are all distinctly wonderful. This is book 5 of House Wars, but book 13 in the series. I'm sure there are at the least 3-6 more books worth of material. Hmmm. Maybe 10 more. This book made me question why I will stick with this series until the end, when I was more than happy to give up on Wheel of Time somewhere around book 8 or 9. First, while the villains are not neglected, the focus remains far more on the heroes and their struggles than on extended scenes of torture and violence. I don't want to fill my mind up with that stuff, even if the rules of fantasy demand that Good win the battle in the end. Second, her world is better. Third, she's a better writer. That said, I hope the House War thread wraps up and we get on to the "Final Battle" story arc. I would hope there is more about the Voyanni and the daughters of the gods...
July 28, 2015
This is the best of THE HOUSE WAR series I've read. It answers lots of questions that SKIRMISH left open. The empire is drawing very close to the war with the demons. As usual, there are more revelations about back stories for important characters, especially Merallone, the Sleepers, and the Winter King. There are also revelations about the source of Jewell's burgeoning powers. The conflicts with a major Demon, the Twin Kings, the Astari, and the rest of The Ten, result in non-stop action. The plot line is full of surprises and definitely sets the scene for the next addition to the series.
I cannot recommend this series more highly to readers of grand fantasy. The world building is so original, the characters live and breath, and the story line is is breathtaking large in scope.
This is definitely NOT a stand alone read. It would be confusing and irritating to a new reader. Start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
I cannot recommend this series more highly to readers of grand fantasy. The world building is so original, the characters live and breath, and the story line is is breathtaking large in scope.
This is definitely NOT a stand alone read. It would be confusing and irritating to a new reader. Start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
July 30, 2013
A number of extremely important things happen in Battle, but none of the people who need to make out manage to do that, and the one person who does have a functional erotic relationship with another adult person has something extremely unpleasant happen to them.
I just want you to be happy, why won't you find a nice girl/boy and settle down? You're not getting any younger.
No, but sincerely - I will probably enjoy rereading Battle very much, but it doesn't resolve anything, really, even though it does answer a bunch of questions (one in particular! the answer won't blow your mind, because you'll have already guessed it, but it is satisfying). I'm looking forward to the next book, but this one was all set up.
Oh - wait, there is one thing it resolves! But it is a comparatively new plot thread, and so less satisfying if you've been reading these books since you were in high school.
I just want you to be happy, why won't you find a nice girl/boy and settle down? You're not getting any younger.
No, but sincerely - I will probably enjoy rereading Battle very much, but it doesn't resolve anything, really, even though it does answer a bunch of questions (one in particular! the answer won't blow your mind, because you'll have already guessed it, but it is satisfying). I'm looking forward to the next book, but this one was all set up.
Oh - wait, there is one thing it resolves! But it is a comparatively new plot thread, and so less satisfying if you've been reading these books since you were in high school.
October 15, 2016
I am not sure how it is possible that Michelle Sagara/West can keep such complex storylines in her head all at the same time. Her books are like a marathon in that they keep going; but not like one in that they are actually enjoyable. I think however this series could have done with a little bit more judicious editing. Even I with my rapacious appetite for fantasy (and hey, I LOVED the Malazan series) am finding this a little tiresome. Also, Jewel becomes much less interesting as a character as the other characters become more so; perhaps inevitable as the PoV changes so frequently, but she, while indisputably the most important character and central to the series, becomes much less colourful and real the more power and authority she acquires. Jewel as a 32 year old woman is not the Jewel of 12? 14? who I found charming. But I applaud the storytelling and the skill and the series. I will read The Sun Sword next.
July 4, 2013
I've been caught in this wonderful and terrifying world Michelle West has created since my first "Sun Sword" book. It has all the things I love: compelling, unforgettable characters, political intrigue and magical/immortal elements that are original and interesting. I also find Michelle West's prose beautiful.
"Battle" was a long book, but I am used to it and I kind of expected it. There is action, there is magic, but, as always, the characters shine most brightly and they drive the plot. I just love to read about them.
I'm not going to talk about what happened in the book or about revelations about a particular character. I'm just going to say I'm dying to read the next one in the series. "War" can't come soon enough, but I'll wait patiently for the author to do her work, because I know the result will be amazing.
"Battle" was a long book, but I am used to it and I kind of expected it. There is action, there is magic, but, as always, the characters shine most brightly and they drive the plot. I just love to read about them.
I'm not going to talk about what happened in the book or about revelations about a particular character. I'm just going to say I'm dying to read the next one in the series. "War" can't come soon enough, but I'll wait patiently for the author to do her work, because I know the result will be amazing.
January 13, 2013
For a book called 'Battle' there were remarkably few action scenes.
This series is suffering from time constriction--not enough time passing. Magical things happen, or political things, and everyone must comment on them. And there are a lot of characters to comment these days. Shadowy old spy characters keep lurking behind the scenes offering advice. Powerful people are afraid of Jewel. She agonizes about the future.
Some stuff gets resolved--the sleeping sickness for one. Meralonne's backstory (which I figured out just a few chapters before). One new character is introduced and then dropped, a gardener.
I've enjoyed the grandeur of West's epics, but I wish there was more doing and less thinking. Both of the last two books have suffered from this, more so than her other Essalyien stories. I don't know if it's happening in her urban fantasy too.
This series is suffering from time constriction--not enough time passing. Magical things happen, or political things, and everyone must comment on them. And there are a lot of characters to comment these days. Shadowy old spy characters keep lurking behind the scenes offering advice. Powerful people are afraid of Jewel. She agonizes about the future.
Some stuff gets resolved--the sleeping sickness for one. Meralonne's backstory (which I figured out just a few chapters before). One new character is introduced and then dropped, a gardener.
I've enjoyed the grandeur of West's epics, but I wish there was more doing and less thinking. Both of the last two books have suffered from this, more so than her other Essalyien stories. I don't know if it's happening in her urban fantasy too.
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