There was a lot more violence and military action than is my preference, but wow, this book was amazing. It begins with an entire force of dragons flying in to attack the Serpent Isle and use it to launch a full-scale war on the Gunstian Empire. The dragons' powers exceed anything we've seen to this point, some of it being the stuff of myth. The Demon Witch's powers are also incredible, but can a single being (spirit?...since we've established she isn't really alive, whatever that means) take on the full might of the dragons?
Told through the eyes of Lahnos, Cisca, and Leona, we get to see very different sides of the military operation. I love Lahnos's friendship with Efizel - it's so contrary to much of what he's known, but shows his character despite the prejudice he's experienced. I also love the way both fight for each other, but Efizel is willing to speak truth when Lahnos is being bullheaded. I like Cisca a lot, too, although, I did miss Lord Kheran. Even if he was a bit of a whiner, I want the baby dragon back! Cisca's loyalty and perseverance in the previous book paid off as she was given increased responsibility now. Her relationship with Bauchlie, which was interesting before, continues to be interesting. I look forward to seeing where that goes in the next book. I also didn't hate him nearly as much this time around, as he proves in several ways that he has honor. I didn't love Leona as much, but she had to do some pretty awful things to stay alive and sacrifice much to protect the people and home she loves. It'll be interesting to see how that works out for her. Reyn didn't get as much on-page time, but when she did, it was glorious. Christopher Mitchell writes characters so well. It makes me want to know them--they're intriguing even when they're unlikable; and then something changes that makes me realize I didn't know much of anything at all. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.