This trilogy continues to get better, and the plot continues to thicken. Just when you think things cannot get deeper they do. Faros, the young surviving scion of the old imperial line ends up a slave in the ogre camps after helping to lead an uprising at Vyrox, the minotaur mine camp. The slaves are recaptured and sent to ogre lands, part of what is revealed to be a dark deal between Emperor Hotak and the ogre nations to seal an alliance. Yes, the guy was selling his own for power, but like many tyrants who overreach, he misses a lot of what is happening under his nose. Meanwhile, his consort consolidates the power of her temple. And Hotak's sons vie for power, each following a different path. But it is not all as simple as that. The second part of the trilogy ends with a new turn, setting up well for the last part. Overall, I have found myself to be very engaged by this book. It is a good fantasy tale, but it also has the feel of reading an imperial epic with its subplots and intrigues. I am definitely glad I picked this set up. I am continuing on to the third and final volume. ( )