Father Yarvi's vow for vengeance against the High King and Grandmother Wexen needs a war, so war there is. Caught up in the turmoil are the Princess Skara and Koll the wood-carver and the sword-bearer Raith, and it's from their points of view we see the unfolding conflict and how they effect the course of events, if at all. It's a riveting narrative, with a strong voice and punchy style. The action is tough and bruising, the nerves are raw, the emotions are ragged and confused and the deep-thinking is sly and cunning. A brilliantly compact tale, self contained but completing the story begun in Half A King. Sets the standard for YA fantasy trilogies, and non-YA fantasy trilogies too, while it's at it.