Not exactly my cuppa for fantasy. It may be because it's the third in a trilogy and I haven't read the first two. It is ultra-fantasy of a medieval world of a hero trying to overthrow an evil despot and trying to not to lose his sense of self to the evil despot who seems to be a rather magnetic personality. ( )

What I liked about this book was the complicated relationships, and the theme of good triumphs over evil being written in a way that you couldn't predict the outcome. I also really appreciated the names of character's and cities (seem to be takes off biblical names).
The first half of the book flowed along, easy reading, kept my interest. The last half (after the protagonist revealed to be on the King's Army) started to drag. I was ready for it to end.
Overall, I really liked the book and would recommend it to others.

Okay, let's start this out by saying I really, really, liked several aspects of this book. I loved all of the characters, they were engaging and realistic where most fantasy books fall short. I really got pulled into the setting with the perfect descriptions and wonderful details. Basically it's very well written and I would recommend this to others. ( )

Medieval history fascinates me and this book let me live in that world for a brief time. The characters are engaging and and it is easy to get wrapped up in the emotions of those characters. The downside: I did not realize this was book 3 so it was a little confusing at the beginning but I quickly caught on. I cannot wait to go back and read 1 & 2! ( )

I'm very selective in my reading of the fantasy genre; dragons, for instance, put me off, but I was very glad I was led to read this novel. Although it was the third volume in a trilogy, I was captivated--somewhat by the fantasy world, a faux medieval world in this case, but more by the very human interactions and emotions of the characters. Now I wish to read the first two of the three. For someone starting the trilogy, I would advise reading the volumes in numerical order if possible.

In the two previous volumes we see the rise of Eamon Goodman [an allegorical surname?], the protagonist, from cadet in the army called the Gauntlet, through different ranks, in this book to become a Quarter Hand [the major city Dunthruik is divided into North, South, East and West Quarters; River Realm into provinces] and finally to Right Hand, or second-in-command to the ruler, the usurper the throned Master. In this volume, Eamon faces and agonizes over the biggest choice of his life: will he stay with the Master, or defy him and his cruelty to stand with the rightful King? His decision will influence the fate of all River Realm. The subtitle of the novel was perfect.

I enjoyed the themes of loyalty, friendship, forgiveness, and grace, which occurred over and over in the story. Chapter XXIII gave the best explanation of grace I have read anywhere. A religious thread tied the story together but it was not saccharine or obtrusive. All the characters, except the obvious villains, were engaging. I also was not enamoured with Lady Turnholt.

Highly recommended. I have since bought and now own the other two volumes in the series after having read Book I from the library. ( )