This book was a fantastic conclusion to the first two in the trilogy. I read the first two, and couldn't wait for the third in paperback, so bought it in hardcover, something I rarely do. Although the resolution is somewhat predictable (the good guys win despite overwhelming odds), the ending is not a standard "and they lived happily ever after." The action of the book is good, and the pace keeps you interested. There is one deus ex machina moment when the army is moved, but you sort of get over it. The resolution to the good versus evil is satisfying. The only really dissatisfying part of the ending, to me, comes in the "resolution" of Shalkan and Kellen's relationship. We have spent three books with their close bond, never really understanding Shalkan's motivation, and then...it's pretty much over. I would have liked a bit more resolution here, but other than that, the book is highly readable, an excellent conclusion to a very engaging trilogy.