So last time, Raven turned his brain off and had a consultation with the Duke and Regina. It wasn't terrible but I really do wish we had a bit more consistency in this book. And it's weird because both Lackey, as we've seen, and Sherman, who I haven't reviewed here but have some recollection of her work, have done better.

But anyway, at least the plot is picking up.

( And there was no Magpie... )

So last time, our heroes escaped captivity and we saw a lot of elf-dwarf clashing. I wonder if I might have found Elbereth more tolerable early on if Ivan had been there to ridicule him all along. Oh well, missed opportunities.

( Still pretty annoyed with Danica anyway... )

So last time, we saw everyone basically come to the conclusion that they want to stand up, support the theater and the Duke and generally not go fleeing in the night. It was pretty heartwarming.

I do find myself wondering though if maybe this book was written in separate segments and only kind of haphazardly sewn together afterward, because a lot of the development seems inconsistent. Especially when it comes to Magpie, who in various chapters seems to realize she likes Raven and needs to lighten up, only to fall back into old patterns, who likes Regina at a friend at times only to then insult her, or to feel like a team player or like she's one person out for herself.

Even with her backstory, was she the one person who took on all the responsibility to keep her acting troupe together? Or was she a frightened victim who was solely focused on survival. At one point in the story any of these things seem to be true. And while generally I think both Mercedes Lackey and Josepha Sherman can make a clear, coherent story with these contrasting elements, I'm not sure they really tried here.

But we are getting into the home stretch, so maybe the story will come together soon.

( We can only hope... )

So last time, we got an interesting insight into what it's like being an Easterner dealing with some of the most powerful people in the Dragaeran Empire.

And how utterly frustrating it must be at times. No wonder Vlad and Cawti bonded so quickly.

( That's dickhead elves for you... )

So last time, things got a bit dark and intense. Captivity can be like that.

( But maybe more comic relief shenanigans soon? )

So, an untimely internet outage is my excuse for my lateness this time. The new review should be up tomorrow.

So last time, we saw the return of Ivan and Pikel! Sadly, it was a mostly pointless comic relief chapter, but still, it's good to see our old friends again!

I hope they get to beat the shit out of Elbereth!

( Or at least give Danica a side-eye, because WTF, girl?? )

So last time, Magpie and Raven kind of resolved things, introduced a romantic plotline (ugh), but hey, maybe we'll get to see if Magpie has any character traits besides being generally awful.

( We can always hope... )

Ugh, this book is a chore. Both annoyingly and surprisingly so. The other books in the series have been very enjoyable and I like both authors and other collaborations with these authors. But this book is a chore.

On the plus side, we're promised a confrontation between Raven and Magpie this chapter. I want to be optimistic about the idea of Raven actually standing up for himself, but I won't be surprised if this turns into a "let's feel sorry for Magpie" fest again.

( Well, let's get it over with )