A minor spoiler:
Preface, p. 17:
At this time, we have been introduced to two young ladies,
one a Dzur named Ibronka and the other a Tiassa named
Roaana. The presence of a Tiassa was a hint to the reader
of romantic entanglements to come, although the author
elegantly avoided any overt indications of such matters,
preferring to leave them as a surprise for the reader.
Oh, *excellent*.
Self-praise, misdirection all the more effective because it confirms
what most of us already thought [insert _Issola_ generalization quote],
and a seeming spoiler for his own work, thus supporting Paarfi's
assertion that recaps are a Bad Idea.
Is the soldier with whom Clari shares a pomegranate in Chapter 60
Dortmond from _Dragon_, by chance?
What is the difference between a soul mate and a familiar? If there
isn't one, why does Morrolan tell Vlad he's never heard of a witch
having two familiars?
Vlad's egg-hunting trip might count as a journey, though it seemed
awfully short, but why didn't he have to find his name? It isn't
something peculiar to whatever Eastern culture Morrolan grew up
in, because the Warlock Formerly Known as Laszlo, of Fenario,
goes on the same quest. At least, I think Laszlo is Fenarian; a
quick search didn't turn up a cite.
Typo I haven't seen mentioned, p. 125, near the bottom:
"whoever takes the outermost position much watch his footing"
Should be "must".
Favorite quotes:
p. 190:
"I am," she said, "the Enchantress of Dzur Mountain."
"But, madam, how is it that being the Enchantress of
Dzur Mountain gives you this knowledge?"
"I read a great deal," said Sethra.
p. 204:
"They spoke of us."
"Did they?" said Khaavren. "I am not startled. I ought to
have noticed the back of my neck itching. My mother
always said that if the back of your neck itches, someone
is speaking ill of you."
"Yes?" said Kytraan. "I had not heard this. What if the
back of your neck, rather than itching, hurts?"
"That means someone has stuck a knife into your neck."
Rae