Ugh, this was the most awful Tamora Pierce book! I always ignore it when reading through the entire series because I find that I haven't missed a thing when I do so. The plot stinks because it goes so slowly you feel like Pierce was writing only to accomplish something by a deadline. The supporting characters aren't as likeable as you wish they were, and the wolves are just.... weird.Don't bother reading this book when you go through the series--you honestly won't miss anything.