I have no idea how I managed to finish The Skull Throne. I detested The Daylight War and I decided to skim the opening chapter to resolve just the cliffhanger. But I found myself more than halfway through, as the author managed to dangle enough Deliverer chapters early, AND I ruthlessly skipped all content from yet another new Krasian POV flashback. Yes, that's right, Peter Brett actually upgraded yet another side character, gave her a narrative, and then used flashback mechanics so that you can enjoy events all over again from someone else's viewpoint. I'm not making this shit up.

The Skull Throne actually kicks off the human on human conflict that is the definition of The Daylight War. That's the good part... this novel is better than the bomb that was the previous. The deep dive into Rhinebeck's court is welcome, but it should have been part of the second novel where it gives us insight into the political arenas before the war. Instead, it comes after the war's started, at a time when it reads like irrelevant filler.

I'd like to say that politics and war means less sex / romance drama, but that wouldn't be Peter Brett. We literally explore the Duke's sex life. The book also needs an appendix for Jardir's family tree because we're supposed to care about 30+ characters that are related to him by marriage or blood. And Leesha and Rojer continue their relationship drama subplots that started in The Desert Spear and like a real soap opera, repeats the same bullshit over and over.

What is new is my realization that Peter Brett thinks the Krasians are the protagonists. Narration has often been from their viewpoint, and despite the child abuse, rape, sexism, theocractic rule AND warrior jingoism, they've been given every advantage in terms of skill at arms, logistics, economics, and even technology. This was understandable against Demons, but against other human nations, it's a frightening contrast. It appears that Peter Brett really believes that Might makes Right, and selling woman, raising child-soldiers, and rampant rape creates an undefeatable human society.

I'm not sure anything else matters. I'm out.

If you must find out what happens, borrow the book from the library or search for a summary online. Let's stop giving this author any more of our money.

Not Recommended.