Quite a bit darker than the previous series, The City Between. I really missed those characters. Athelas was in good form, very much in character. I loved the new characters, although Harrow broke my heart. It took me a long time to get through this first book in the series, but I hear that the next book is easier.

I really liked Camellia. That last chapter - wow! Blew me away. She really put Athelas on the spot. Worth reading for that chapter alone. ( )