Feist is an accomplished story teller and manages the plot movement with ease. As well, his ability to define character helps keep the reader from becoming confused as the cast is a fairly large one. While it may help provide some background information it is not necessary to have read the first three books to enjoy this one. The other thing I really liked about this book is that it is a complete story. The ending signifies the end of the plot rather than simply being a tease to get you into the second book.

I liked the first series and I found myself liking this one even more. I enjoyed the characters and found the story compelling and interesting and, most importantly, entertaining. The world Feist creates is a combination of fantasy and science fiction which lends it a different flavor than other series books. I have to admit that it's one of the better books I've read this year.