In this book, the eighth book in the Niccolo Series, Nicholas is a changed man and he tries to right all that he has done wrong in the past. He is again faced with many obstacles, and his enemies as still out "to get him". He finds peace in the end but it also comes at a high price.I have given one less star for this book, because I think the author spends too much time in this book detailing Scottish history when it is not the main subject. It is certainly interesting but, she could have done what she did for all the other countries, where she only gave us a brief summary that enabled us to comprehend the complexities of "foreign policies" during that period.I still have rarely enjoyed reading a hostorical novel so much. I was raised in Europe, and always felt very familiar with the places, names and people. Every scene was detailed and very entertaining and always the plot has been very well thought-out and very intelligent.