It's not as good as the previous two. The introduction of new characters being so integral to the winning of this war with the Skulls and the survival of the characters we've had 2.40 books to get attached to is off-putting. It was like she was trying to force us to like the hierophant apparent on the same level we love Zelie, Amari and Inan, even though we haven't put as much emotional energy into her. I do adore her and Amari together though.