I have raved about the author’s previous works several times on this blog, you can see my previous reviews below:
I highly recommend you check out these reviews before you go further because this particular post might mostly sound like the random ravings of a fan. I have very few fangirling moments when it comes to books. I do not retain the intricacies of most fantasy novels. Even at the height of my Harry Potter reading, I did not remember the spells. These are usually not as important as the feel of the book, and therefore I did not fit into any particular criteria of fans. I am now quite close to reaching a point of no return with this series. Every time I revisit this world, I tell myself I probably cannot get more involved in the lives and loves of the people in the tale. With each progressive story into the series, I find that my presumption is naive and I am to have my heart wrenched each and every time. (Although the Molly thing continues to feel weird, people who have read the series know what I am talking about)
There is no Happily Ever Afters in these books. The thing is near impossible, the author traces ageing, relationships and the consequences of loyalty down every possible twist and turns till it leaves you gasping for a place to rest your head and heart for a few silent minutes. When we left Fitz/Tom Baderlock in the last book, he had achieved the goal for which he was brought out from retirement. Now, however, it turns out that the situation is far graver than he could have anticipated. He is expected to cut up parts of his soul and himself for the kingdom again. This time, he is older, wiser and knows how to bargain better as does his Queen. There is a cultural upheaval coming, and there is a tight-knit group of people in the know, they are holding their cards close to their chests, but change is in the air. It is close to the end of the day here, and I started reading this in the afternoon. Once again(as with most books in the series) it devoured me and spat me out at regular intervals for me to see to some aspects of my daily routine.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to give fantasy a go because most ardent fans would have already checked it out. There is something simultaneously simple and intricate about the overlaps of people’s story. The Bingtown traders and their dangers slowly seep into the narrative leaving an indelible mark that I am sure to pick away at as soon as I get my hands on the next book which I intend to do as soon as tomorrow.
Superfluous Reading 