For a while I have struggled in finding a series both well written as captivating; and this has surpassed my wildest expectations. Truly a great read and an amazing ride.

Erikson hit his stride starting with this book. Still among my favorites out of his 10 book series. It takes the mystery and complexity of Gardens of the Moon and applies it in a fashion that is better paced and less ambiguous while simultaneously building upon Gardens and answering past questions. It also includes one of the more tragic story lines in the series that is full of heartbreaking narratives. The cast includes familiar characters and many entirely new ones, all of whom are integral to the story and quite believable. If you finished Gardens then you owe it to yourself to see Erikson at his best.

I enjoyed the first book in this series - but one thousand pages into this one I could still not tell you who the characters were or what they wanted.

Prepare to be blown away. My second trip through the series, and I must say, unlike any other series I have read, sooooo much better the second time.