Loved this. Just like catching up with old friends. And meeting a few new ones.

It is one of G.A.Aiken/Shelly Laurenston's great writing strengths that the secondary characters are just as well rounded, and as important to the plot, in fact they often drive the plot, as the MC.

Rhona the Fearless, of the Cadwaladar Clan, has been fighting the enemy for 5 years and being annoyed by Vigholf the Abhorrent, a Northland Lightning, for just as long. As the eldest daughter of the Cadwaladars she has had the responsibility of raising her siblings as her mother goes off to fight. But she never wanted to be a Dragonwarrior and keeps declining the invitation to join the elite troops. She's happy just being a Sergeant in the Army when not helping her father Sulien, in the Forge, making and repairing weapons, or training her sisters.

Rhona gets sent on a mission by Ragnar, so Vigholf, Ragnar's brother, appoints himself Rhona's shadow backup. That mission leads into another one, and Rhona finds herself part of Annwyl's escort to find the Rebel Irons King, Gaius, save his sister and defeat the Irons and Sovereigns in a bloody battle.

All our previous H/h are there along with the children, Talwyn, Talan & Rhian who are now about 7 and particularly powerful. A big surprise is Eibhear the Blue who finally wakes up, but at what cost.

Really looking forward to what happens next, and seeing how powerful Gaius's sister really is.