The constant kidnapping seems to not be as big in this novel as the previous, but Finn and her rather rag-tag group of companions are constantly in danger as many unknown forces pursue them. There's a lot of players at work, it seems: the Dair, the tribe in the North, the an Fiach human soldiers, Kieran's cohorts, and the fae factions. It's a lot to keep track of, but it makes for some interesting plot developments.
Anders, who made a short appearance in the last novel, has formed a tenuous alliance with the Traveler who initiated the drama from the Blood Forest in the first book. He has definitely changed, and no wonder given the ordeal he has been through. His only goal is finding and rescuing his sister Branwen. It's so far still a small part of the overall story, but you get the impression from his and his sister's chapters that they still have some important role to play.
Ealasaid, though a cute character, doesn't quite seem to be really adding much to the plot. I commend her loyalty to Maayvin, but to be honest I dont feel interested in either of their stories, especially since I dont trust the latter.
Iseult really might be my favorite. I want to see more of him and his perspective. He is so fiercely protective of Finn, which is sweet, but also very self conscious. He wants to do the right thing for her and for his tribe, and slowly you see that start to become doing what's right for others. I hope his character and story take on a bigger role and we see more growth and development. His feelings for Finn are definitely progressing slowly, but it works well here. It leaves you still not knowing whether Finn has any feeling of her own and what they might be, and for whom.
The plot tends to bounce around between the expected and unexpected occurring, so you have enough mystery to keep you intrigued, but also can predict certain good or bad events and be prepared for them. There is more about the fae creatures as well, and we get to see an unexpected player towards the end.
Next book should be fun and I cant wait!.