I found that this final book of the Powder Mage Trilogy was immensely satisfying. I truly enjoyed every minute. McClellan's characters are incredibly interesting. I think their moral ambiguities and quarks add the perfect something to this flintlock fantasy. The dark wit and quick humor combined with the vague world building brings the First Law series to mind. While it's not necessarily as well written as first law, it's just as enjoyable a read, in my opinion.