This entire series had me conflicted, and Emperor of Thorns is no exception. The writing was a little slower and I felt like the book was dragging. Then it would pick up and rush forward only to drag again. At the same time Jorg is humanized more in this book. While his actions are not excused they were given reasons, reasons that were understandable. In some ways he even became a hero. Yet, he is still a monster.

There was also a lot more female representation in this book. The pope is female, his wife is present, his aunt has a large role, and the necromancer is back. There is actually a large selection of female characters. Some are in power, most have at least some power, and they become more dynamic characters. His wife is probably the best character in the entire book. She is smart, cunning, merciful, and will defend her family and kingdom to the end. She is my favorite character in the entire series. It was a refreshing change from the first book.

I do not know if I actually like the ending. I suppose there really was no other way to end it. Although, the identity of The Dead King was pretty obvious. How it all came together was both over dramatic and anticlimactic. At the same time it worked. Ugh. I am not sure how I can be so conflicted about a book, and the series as a whole. I will say that Emperor of Thorns was my favorite of the series. I do not think I will ever be a Jorg groupie - he is a total sexist monster - but, I am glad that I read the series.