though this book takes place a solid decade and a half after the climactic events of [b:Emperor and Clown|53539|Emperor and Clown (A Man of His Word #4)|Dave Duncan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170427569s/53539.jpg|52214], there's no slackening of the pace. Because it's been so long (I finished it in June) it took me a little while to get back in the saddle.

But when mounted up and flipping the pages like a good 'un, as it were - the characters spring to life once more and deadly consequences arise from previously positive-seeming actions. Though The Blades are Duncan's masters in my mind, this world is trotting up to be a most perspicacious second.