Continuation of the trilogy. From Chonru's point of view which makes it very different from the preceeding volume.

It's all about the culture clash - what we'd think of as Eastern vs Western although here it is portrayed as South vs North. And fo course the impact of technology which always uproots traditional systems. Chonru and Baita have made it to the embassy so that Chonru can carry out hsi mission - only to discover that his ambassador has been declared persona non grata by the local king. He has no idea what he's done to cause such an offense, and the king is not hearing his appologies. Which leaves Chonru and Batiya to try and unravel things whilst furthering their own agenda and without contravening any of the local customs or their own honour.

The naturally restrained Chonru doesn't really make the best of storytellers. His passion for his wife is the only leavening feature. Somehow the timeline doesn't quite feel right though - I'm not sure how old either character is, but at times they're cast as being young, but at others they seem much older. Neither really works consistenly throuout the plot. Given that he's a rpince and used ot being obeyed it also doens't make for much of a mystery because there's little explanation of the deatils - someonme is summoned to get the paperwork and find the discrepancy. It all happens off screen.

Engaging and fun a quick read it doesn't quite have the novelty of the first one. ( )