I really like these characters. But their inability to communicate with one another is starting to drive me crazy. I know that Taro is emotional and easily wounded, and I know that Lee is extremely reserved and easily confused by people, but at this point in the series, I don't really buy that the emotional intimacy they each feel with the other isn't translating into some kind of spoken intimacy. Sure, they might not be great at talking with other people, but they ought to be getting the hang of speaking with each other. Instead, their lack of communication feels like a plot device, not a genuine outgrowth of their characters. I'm hoping this changes in the next book or two, because otherwise, no matter how much I really, really like these characters, I don't think I'll be able to continue reading the series. ( )

This book develops the unexpectedly fascinating background of the hero, Shintaro. It also brings in a third main character, who I really liked.

What was good about this book: the new main character; the continuing development of the relationship between the previous hero and heroine; the hints we get of the rich background of this interesting world.

With this book, the series starts to veer off in a quite different direction, toward more traditional spell-magic, with witches/wizards, etc. I personally don't usually like that (Harry Potter was good, but I've had enough, thank you). So I didn't relish this aspect of the book. Nevertheless, the author has done a good job bringing this in. The heroine rather than the hero is now the special one, and the wrinkles this throws into their relationship are interesting. In general, her characters and their difficulties are sufficiently fascinating that I can forgive the intrusion of more tiresome traditional magic into this world. ( )

Series still going strong and stay-up-all-night reading. In this entry, Lee and Taro start their assignment at his childhood home. Much more of Taro's background and family, more about castings, more about the emperor's plotting -- and not much more I can say without spoilers. ( )

Lee and Taro are sent to Taro's hated family home where they face a new threat to them and the cousin Taro picked to take his place.

Another fast moving and enjoyable entry into the series. ( )

When you read a book in an established series you really, really like (and I really like this series) reviews are hard.

Interesting are the further intimations that this is going to be a fantasy series with a nod to SF underpinnings. That this is a world that people came to from another one.

If I had a complaint about this book, it would be that it's another chapter in what is clearly going to be a fairly long series. It isn't that the current immediate plot isn't set up and resolved. It is, and very nicely. But I want to know what is really going on!

I also sometimes am a little exasperated with our heroine's role as the unreliable narrator, but she's getting a little more of a clue and I end up loving both of the main characters, and wanting the next book RIGHT NOW!
( )