Two books in to this series and I'm still not sure about it - this is not a totally positive sign. I'm finding it hard to put a finger on what I don't like, as many of the parts are appealing. Maybe it's a bit of disappointment that I'm not loving this like the totally brilliant Long Price Quartet. Maybe it's because it's a more traditional medievalish universe - yes, there's a bank and merchants involved, but the overwhelming tone is knights and castles. The different races of men and the long gone dragons are fascinating but the differences haven't really smacked me in the face enough yet, or maybe my imagination is failing me.

Individual elements of the story are compelling - I can't wait to find out what this goddess/righteous servant is really, hopefully some advanced genetic manipulation/ computer. Cithrin's storyline is fascinating and I love her as a character. Dawson is so irritatingly irritating. Geder is taking individually sensible steps that are heading towards stalinesque style pogroms and it is very believable. Clara is a welcome addition to the story in this volume.

And yet, somehow it's not quite adding up for me.