The 4th book and I was hoping to see some character development but it seems that the main characters are trapped by the plot demands including more personal danger for Adelia. However, Ulf was a pleasure and Boggart as well, but no Gyltha, although I am glad that someone is willing to teach her daughter some social skills. There was a lot of religion which got a bit slow and draggy in the middle, with lots of travelling side trips that didn't really move the main story along.

Personally, I think the English weather is softening Adelia's brain. She seems not to have grasped anything about how things work politically and religiously (the same thing in those days). I don't expect her to be adept at political intrigue, but some level of comprehension/understanding of the realities would be nice, such as after the 2nd death on the journey. And after everything else that has happened, her unwillingness to believe that there was a personal threat was incomprehensible (except for plot purposes)and that includes the marionettes.

I feel like I have given the series a good try but am unlikely to go out of my way to stay on top of it. I like to be able to relate on some level to a character but my good will for Adelia has reached the end.

Because the writing was decent, I don't think this is a 2 but my exasperation with Adelia makes this more of a 2.5 for me.