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.

Missing this series. I enjoyed this but I do have to roll my eyes at the back to back huge international cases that happen so often now.

I did not know how appropriate this title was going to be, lol. I loved this. Hit all the right spots for me. Wasn't expecting the interracial romance but that's okay. I wish we had explored more about her going into fugue states while cooking or how her cooking and working with food is magic/rootwork/conjure as Saxon mentions once. This had the right amount of angst and sex and chemistry. And have I mentioned the unexpected joy of reading romance characters my age when I'm almost 40. 

Check this video for full review. https://youtu.be/M83cbbVlQUs?si=X2-J9aUOQxoHQnL8

I really enjoyed this. Mostly for the adventure and cultural aspects. Basically the plot. I did enjoy the characters and the romance but not as much as I would've liked to. I just think I'm too old to not cringe a bit at some of the dialogue and relationship dynamics. As individuals I felt for them and I surprised myself at crying for one secondary characters death towards the end. Also I really appreciate the authors note, pronunciation guide and historical notes in the back. I did listen to the audiobook a bit and that helped with pronunciations as well. But it also made me fully realize the age range this is meant for. Not me, lol. Overall, a great book.