Knowing Assassin’s Apprentice was a slow start made me worry a little picking this up. Especially since I was barely out of my reading slump. Then add that this had long chapters. Some being 30 pages long. For some reason long chapters slow me down. Thankfully I was listening while reading along so they never felt too long.

This was definitely easier for me to get into. Maybe its knowing Hobb’s writing style made it easier I’m not sure. But I felt like I was reading 100 pages easily. Which meant I ended up finishing this after a week when I had planned 10-14 days.

Even by the end of this I’m not 100% sure where this trilogy will go. I have a vague theory but that’s about it. All I know for sure is more heartache.

When it comes to the Serpents I have more questions. Not much is explained about them. What’s the issue with them? What part do they play overall? Why are they there? I’m intrigued to find out.

I was a little nervous about having multiple POVs. Sometimes I find myself too lost to enjoy what’s going on. However I had no issues here. Each POV had a distinct voice so even when they switched mid chapter it easily flowed and I was never confused or lost to who’s story we were following.

Hobb doesn’t go easy on her characters. She seems to be a lot harsher on them. You should never assume things will get better because chances are they won’t. Which makes this a more heartbreaking read. Especially as she also knows how to make you love the characters she is hurting.

Kennett POV at least until the very end didn’t interest me too much. I think I was wondering more about how his story would connect with the others. Since he was the only one really not connected straight away to the other main characters. But by the end I’m left intrigued by him. I’m not sure if I like him or not. I need more from him I think before I can really decide how I feel.

Unlike Kennett I have no problem knowing if I like Wintrow or not. I think he is stronger than he and everyone else thinks. The amount Hobb puts him through in this book alone makes me worry for him for the next two books. I just know its probably going to get worse for him. I feel so much sympathy for him. My heart broke a few times due to how he was treated.

When it comes to Brashen and Althea I’m intrigued about the potential relationship hinted during this book. I do wonder where that goes. If anywhere. I also liked their chapters the most I feel. The determination from Althea to get her ship back from Kyle. Which I do wonder what happens there due to how this books ends.

Malta is an annoying brat. But I think that’s the point. I do hope she matures and doesn’t turn into like her father as the trilogy progresses. Keffria I feel needs more confidence in herself to discipline her daughter and take charge of situations and not let her mother, Ronica, take over.

Paragon and Vivacia were interesting to see their personalities. Although I am more interested in Paragon. I just think he has a big backstory I want to learn more about. While Vivacia only just quickened so she is finding her way. But I do see some bad things coming for her. I think from the start she wasn’t treated with respect or love and that will definitely come into play.

The story itself is hard to explain without spoilers. But this book is definitely introducing you to the main characters and setting up the first parts of their individual stories. But the end they are starting to all connect more. Especially Kennett being introduced to Wintrow and Kyle.

When I finished this I wanted to pick up the next book straight away. I want to see what happens next and find out what the serpents are all about.