3.5 which breaks my heart. I love Tamora Pierce and all the previous books but just couldn't handle the plot of this one. Of all the dead people WHY would Thom bring Duke Roger back to life. Then WHY is Duke Roger not immediately thrown into a dungeon?! Let alone Thom hanging out with him and sharing information with him. Duke Roger yet again trying to take the crown and using Alana's enemies was predictable and obvious. This really ruined the book for me unfortunately. Also this strong independent FMC I've come to love and respect has no loyalty or independence with men jumping in bed with a new character every book which is inappropriate for a juvenile fiction.