The .5 is for all the references to previous books and characters. Including those that showed up on page. But my gosh do I not like anybody. A few I started liking and don't really anymore. And the one or two left I'm pessimistic about. Everyone is insufferable. I really prefer the Fitz trilogies, lol. Anyway, its great writing as usual. Drags a bit in some places where exposition is needed. Hobb as usual brings out the strong emotions but I just don't like disliking pretty much everybody. It's not fun for me. Makes me dread picking up the book at times. So yeah. Yes,  I'm reading the next one. Plot-wise I need to know what happened. Also, the narration of the dragons is a bit much. Kelsingra~, lol. But it fits because they are so dramatic and full of themselves.