Krazykiwi @ Kiwitopia

Going to try write a shorter review this time. Reviewing the middle of a trilogy is really hard!

Suffice to say, once again Robin Hobb hit all the right notes for me. All the characters continue to show real development, although not always in good ways, and without the worldbuilding necessary in the first book, this one is deep into the plot action. 

Admittedly that action is primarily politics, particularly the skulking around castles kind, and it's dialogue heavy, but there's enough good old fashioned battle scenes to break it up. 

There's also a spectacular cliff-hanger ending, which I generally hate, but considering this is book 2 of a completed trilogy, it's quite ok with me.

Small spoilers below, nothing important, just random thoughts.