Wow! This one is my absolute favorite of the series so far! It was so exciting and emotionally tense! And, honestly, I think it was the most informative of the whole series, too. I loved learning more about the Leontines and I am very curious about what direction the next book will take. I still would like to see more development of Kaylin's character, and I must admit that Severn is starting to get on my nerves. His character, though present throughout the entirety of this book, might as well not have been since it seems he lost character development in his role as the silent, but unfailingly right, guide. I am disappointed that _Cast in Silence_ is the next and last book that is in publication. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the new books of this series in the future!
Whenever I come back to this series I am always amazed at how quickly the story flows - it's hard to put down! Picking up from the last book, the city is in a state of unrest and anger at the mind-reading Tha'alani race, suspecting them of creating a tidal wave that almost wiped out the city, when in fact they had tried to save it. So the Imperial Palace has commissioned a play that will put the Tha'alani in a more favorable light in the public's eyes in an attempt to diffuse racial tensions. Kaylin Neya has been requested by the Tha'alani to oversee the play's writing to assure that their race is portrayed accurately. But dealing with the temperamental playwright is a difficult task. To make matters worse, Kaylin's sergeant and surrogate father, the Leontine Marcus, has been accused of murder and arrested, and an overbearing replacement threatens to fire her at the slightest infraction. Kaylin is determined to go into the heart of the Leontine fief and investigate to free Marcus - assuming she can keep from getting killed. What she finds may very well get the entire world destroyed. It's a worthy addition to a great series.
This is the fourth installment in the series. I liked it very much - every book in the series is unique enough to be read as stand-alones, but also broadens the plot. Hard to put down! Really looking forward to the next in the series