This was a wonderful end to the first series set in Tortall, 'Song Of The Lioness'. It sees Alanna briefly continuing her adventures from the previous book before returning to the Palace to protect her new King as trouble stirs in the Kingdom. Old enemies come back and Alanna must fight to save Tortall, but at a cost. I felt a little heartbroken at the end, a number of characters were lost in the final battle. This is the skill of Pierce's writing, each of the characters were so different and had so much personality that I was thoroughly attached! After reading this, I couldn't wait to get onto the next Tamora Pierce book!