http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1791110.html

More detailed plotting and scene-setting in the third of the Aldabreshin Compass series. ( )

Western Shore is definitely not a stand-alone entry in to the Aldabreshin Compass sequence. The first hundred and fifty pages have remarkably little to do with the next four hundred. The political wrangling within the first third of the book are assumedly setting up the final book, however it feels remarkably disjointed when the Western Shore plot embarks. The story of this entry offers nothing new, whereas the first books were fresh and exciting and the content is largely similar to that of the first two books. That all said, the character building is excellent and the action of the finale of the highest standard. There is enough here to ensure you read the final chapter, although this book will merely seem a stepping stone to get there. ( )

I found this book a reasonably enjoyable read but was at the same time quite disappointed with the quality and plot. I had a distinct sense of deja vu throughout the entire story feeling it was largely just the same story as book two with slightly different characters and setting. The style also became a bit grating as we continually dropped out of narative to hear the lead character's thoughts - most of which were either uninterestingly whiny or just blatantly obvious. I would actually prefer a bit more of the politics of the region and a bit less of the sword and sorcery - particularly if it's just gonna be the same thing each book in a different wrapping. An enjoyable read, but hopefully the final book in the series will be a bit different. ( )