Although not quite as good as the previous five, it still rates a 4-star. It's frustrating, at times, as it does tend to drag on and on with little continuance. Then it jumps to another set of characters to bring you up to date. There are so many scenerios, it's hard to keep track of them all, all the time. Kate Elliott is a fantastic author, and I will be patiently waiting a new series after book 7 comes out.