I thought the series got better once Tavi became a military leader. Rather enjoyable "popcorn" fantasy, but still there was something missing to make me love the characters and really care about the story. ( )

I was a fair way through this book when I was struck by the fact that not much had happened.
Tavi still voyaging to the land of the Canim, which he had basically started at the end of the previous book.

But then, it really ramped up. Heaps of action and intrigue.
Plenty of answers to things I hadn't realised were questions.
A few characters seem to be fading into the background. Marcus & Magnus & even Max much less prominent. And I'm wanting Aldrick ex Gladius to reappear from earlier books.

All set up for a cracking finale. I can't wait. ( )

Wow, I love this series. I'm going to be so sad when I'm done with it. Jim Butcher is still able to surprise me, just when I thought everything was pretty much revealed and laid out. The action is great, and every plot line was interesting this time around. The Bernard and Amara plot line was my least favorite in the last book, but it turned out to be a good one this time. Isana's story was cool, and of course, the Tavi storyline was great. Love love love this series! ( )

En este libro el autor sigue demostrando que es bueno y fluido en una historia standar que no llega a tener momentos que vuelen en una intensidad digna de una gran clasico de la fantasia, es una historia mas, ni buena ni mala, simplemente leible, algo querible sin destacar demasiado ( )

Fifth of the six book series about a Romanesque world in which certain talented people forge relationships with elementals. In this book, Tavi has been identified as the heir to the First Lord’s position. To deter problems while his grandfather smooths the political road for him, Tavi is sent to escort the invading Canim back to their homeland.

Once there, the expedition discovers the Vord have all but conquered the land. Tavi stays to help his “frenemy” Varg find a way to fight the Vord.

Back in Alera, one of the Vord hives has already begun the invasion. The First Lord and Tavi’s mother Isana work together to battle for their own homeland.

Like earlier books, there are some killer reveals to fill in historical gaps and helpnthe reader understand how Alera came to be where it is. The books ends with a mysterious appearance and a cliffhanger that will leave readers reaching for the sixth novel. ( )