Way to the East by Kirill Klevanski is good in a lot of ways, while being a bit weak in others. The story has a way of making Hadjar look like an active character in that he goes out and does things, but most of the time the plot happens to him. His continual frustration at the various schemes that take place is humorous, and I enjoy the far more honorable take on the character, but at times it feels a little strange. There's some mild self revision, but nothing too major. There's some pretty good world building here, and I quite like some revelations centered around the Lord of Nightmares. In the process, however, earlier considerations about his mother and her family, however, seem to be erased. Southwind is increasingly common here, so I wonder if we'll hear more about the mentor. There's some Sea of Sand nostalgia too. There's a lot to like, but there's something missing...