I enjoyed the bantering between Horace, Will, and Halt. I thought the plot was fast paced and enjoyable. So why am I giving it 3 stars? I didn't like the evil doer who invokes "the unseen god". The book really is quite anti-religious. His books at my library have a large following of kids who are looking for books that feature good action without magic, that have good moral values. I have many parents who love this series. I am sure what I am saying is not politically correct - so be it. When you slide in an issue like this after so many previous volumes, it is a bit underhanded. I am sure some parents (who in this day and age can't read everything), will feel safe with this book and would be appalled that the book has this bent. Of course, many kids and parents will love the book as it is. It's just that it seems unfair to throw this down this far into the series.