My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a good progression in the series. Situations get a little darker, and the problems more serious. Previous settings and characters are extended as they interact in new ways. Sage evoked some emotion when she brought the Port Coven Witches to the Castle, and also (for me at least) when she sent Snorri away. We will see if either of them return in the next book for the big finale. I am interested to see how Jenna's "witchiness" is resolved.
Of course the same problem exists as in my previous reviews. There is only one book to go, and I still don't know who the bad guy is going to be in the next book. Very frustrating. Usually the series builds to an overall climax before the last installment, and the anticipation is part of the excitement (and frustration!) There is none of that here. At most I have an interest in finding out how the characters fare from here on out, but there is no plot waiting to be resolved. I hope that the conflict Sage cooks up for the last book is so grand that it does the series justice.