Things are heating up, and not just on Ludas. The opening chapter lets us know that quite clearly. Dolos’ peers enter the story and set up the direction of the rest of the series.
Nora Hazard enters the Delvers series. She has her own series, which I have not read or listened to, but even still the story flows without that background knowledge. It would certainly help to read those books, especially since A’s first month of kingship is covered in them, but it is not completely necessary. She is definitely bad-ass though, and only makes the Delvers that much more powerful.
There is not quite as much action in this story. Much of the tale revolves around adapting to the new circumstances, like Merain’s (spelling?) changes and Nora’s inclusion, but there is still enough to sate most readers. There is more character growth though, which shows its value in this book, and again sets up future stories.
Jeff Hays is brilliant again. He is the best narrator in the genre and flaunts his skills with character voices and storytelling again. Also, as much as I do enjoy most of the audiobooks that also include other SoundBooth Theater narrators, I am glad he continues this series alone. Hopefully that continues.