For its great length, there is little action in this book compared to the previous two books, Farseekers and Ashling. 

I understand that Carmody has gone into detail establishing the clues and the triggers for the ancient promise and Elspeth’s quest. Much went into developing outer characters within Obernewtyn for the upcoming rebellion. 

I did find it a slow read and a slog to get through. Once there was action, it was short. 

Don’t he me wrong, Malik is pure evil and at this stage I consider him worse than Ariel. The pain of that betrayal - the deaths.

I found the ending puzzling to be wrapped up so quickly in an epilogue. 

In saying this - I absolutely enjoy the Obernewtyn world and going onwards with the next book.