One man makes a difference. Sometimes it’s a small one. Other times, he tips a war.

The middle book of a trilogy needs to increase tension, set the stage for a larger finale and introduce you to history referenced in the first instalment. This book delivers on all fronts, was a fantastic read, and a great middle book within a trilogy.

The POV's for Tamas and Taniel were excellent. They were action packed and victory was never guaranteed. I really enjoyed seeing the Kez army from both perspectives and appreciated how stretched thin the Adro army was and how hopeless their situation was.

Taniel and Ka-Poel are a standout team and the highlight of this book. In addition to fighting enemies they are constantly hounded by racism toward's Ka-Poel's Bone Eye heritage. I appreciate how little information we have about Ka-Poel because it would be very easy to make her the focus of the stories and not the fallout from the dismissal of Manhouch.

Adamant showed a bit more worth as an investigator in Adopest but with most of the action happening out of Adopest his chapters were a bit of an exhale after the high tension of Tamas and Taniel.

Nila's story merely existed and felt that it was preventing me from getting on with the story rather than benefiting. She had the fewest POV's so it didn't disrupt the pace too much. Having many POV breaks appear at a climactic point was a bit repetitive, especially if you were transported to someone with a less interesting update.

Was all he left behind misery and death? Sorrow, widows, and grieving families?

The first two books have seen a lot of battles and plenty of destruction. The characters are war heroes and will keep on killing regardless of what toll it takes on them. There are characters who will continue to slaughter without remorse or consideration for their part in the war machine.

Thankfully one character has shown growth in this regard with Bo. There times he admitted that killing would be an easier option but would prefer to avoid it. He acknowledges this decision and looks for ways to avoid killing. Others may get there, Tamas has referenced age and fatigue, but still looks for death as the only option.

I will enjoy the series even if the character's don't question their actions but I like to see a struggle lead to growth. Unfortunately, for some characters, the only growth they are getting is the kill count notched on their weapon.