Wow. This is a tricksy, turny (and I'm not talking about the obvious plot twist that was telegraphed so early it practically had Christmas lights on it) and sometimes brutal novel.

Hobb confirms in her final novel of the trilogy that this is the story of the Paragon. His redemption is a powerful theme running through the whole book.

I must admit that I find the character of Malta Vestrit the weakest part of the entire trilogy. Her transition from spiled brat to international diplomat ... (show more)

Wow. This is a tricksy, turny (and I'm not talking about the obvious plot twist that was telegraphed so early it practically had Christmas lights on it) and sometimes brutal novel.

Hobb confirms in her final novel of the trilogy that this is the story of the Paragon. His redemption is a powerful theme running through the whole book.

I must admit that I find the character of Malta Vestrit the weakest part of the entire trilogy. Her transition from spiled brat to international diplomat and trade negotiator has too many jumps to be completely believable.

Hobb is rather cruel to her characters (as I quoted in a previous review, "misery builds character"). Don't expect this to be a comfortable read. I found one sequence, relating to Althea, particularly difficult to sit through. But it did what it was supposed to do - resolving any remaining ambiguous feelings about one of the characters in the novel.

But, overall, very highly recommnded. (show less)