A Hero's Justice

Honestly the plot of this book was, to me, more interesting than the plot in the second book. Not only was it the final, but just the political intrigue was truly wonderful as the empire is falling apart. Both the hero lovers are so very changed from who they were when this story began that I did feel that in a lot of ways they both had lost the way, but Tol certainly changed my mind by the end. Not that I enjoyed the end, but because of the circumstances - I believe that it was the only ending that this story could have had - any other would be tainted. That was what I always enjoyed about the character of Tol. Not only was he the pauper turned `king' but he always seems to pull back when he gets too much power - and trys to his fullest to never fall into the temptation of losing himself in the power he has `earned'. Certainly this story has a lot to do with the human condition - as it progresses through time and people change. This is a book that should not be missed by fantasy fans anyway - and as I said in my last review - if you enjoy any historical ficiton - this tril. Is a good one to pick up.

Just as all the pieces appear to be falling into place... we get a surprise ending. You may find it anticlimactic, or you may look back at the trilogy and try to come to terms with its conclusion. Perhaps Tol is not the altruist we misconstrued him as being, but rather motivated by honor and strong personal loyalties. I like the role that Thompson and Cook assign to Fate; it's reminiscent of Greek or Roman mythology, in which one man is destined by the Gods to become a hero. Here, however, the authors give our hero free choice.

This book is amaizing!! There is alot to read and to think about. The plot is not clear untill near the end of the book. Tol is a great man that figures out that he helps to free his country and friends and "retires" from public life after he is reunited with the Empress Val.