This ends the two book series about the family of Tier and Seraph in the world of the Empire and the Travelers. Again, a book that starts slowly, and seems to meander a bit. It fills in the life of the people and the world very nicely, so there is a more real texture to this world than in some of the other books.

I like that this set of books is _not_ about the hero or heroine saving the world, or their corner of it. It is about a whole family, with the hero and heroine being "old married folk." That right there is a paradigm shift from most heroic fantasy. This is darker than the first volume, with some striking ideas about libraries and attitudes towards books - the library was almost another character.

This picks up within weeks of where the other left off, with more magic than the previous book. Solid sword and sorcery tale, but not as compelling as some of the others she's written. ( )

Patricia Briggs delights once again. This volume brings the story of Raven and her family full-circle, with a satisfying conclusion. Again, the characters are sympathetic and compelling and the plot is quick and engrossing. This book was a pleasure to read, as are most of Patricia Briggs’ many fine books. ( )

The second half of Brigg's duology gives a big payoff for all the (somewhat slow) world building she does in Raven's Shadow. The action picks up and the characters start to "pop" a lot more. I've read Brigg's later works, and I think that she's gotten more skilled at telling tight stories - this one feels like some of her later work. Recommended. ( )

Seraph and Tier saved the the Emperor, the empire and the world in Raven's Shadow.... Except they didn't. Their battle with the Shadowed was simply a skirmish. They succeeded in delaying him and saving the Emperor, but they don't get long to bask in the afterglow. Returning home the family discovers that the Shadowed has preceded them bearing plagues and calling dark creatures to threaten the townsfolk. The Emperor's Memory still haunts him, which may cause him to lose his head - literally, and if that isn't enough, Tier's Order is disintegrating. If they are to really save Tier, the Emperor, and the world, they'll have to find the lost city of Colossae, identify the Shadowed, and face the stalker for once and for all.

Briggs ties up a lot of loose ends and while the plot still winds around and threads don't always tie together perfectly, once again, the action makes up for most of the holes and her characters are great. ( )

Follow up to Raven's Shadow and finishing the story.

Tier and Seraph et al go to Colossae, kill the shadowed, save the day and they mostly get to live happily ever after. There are a few nice twists and turns, but some are a little laboured and obvious. Still a fun, light read and worth the time. ( )