I would have given this book 4 stars if it weren't for the subtleties of Christie Golden's characterizations. I can't quite place my finger on it, but I was bothered. I loved the overall story arc and like the new character, Vestara Khai, but a few scens of intamacy, and the afformentioned characterizations dragged my rating down a bit.

I've heard a lot of bad things about this series, but so far I like it much more than LoTF. I might go crazy if I don't figure out what's up with the insane Jedi soon though!