Unusual for me to read a trilogy so out of order (2-1-3), but I think the only reason I rate this one slightly below the second is that it had less novelty. The quality is retained, and the structure, though different, has points of similarity that became confirmed themes of interest for the author once I read the third book.Cazaril, the protagonist, is a former lord who has been disgraced by events outside of his control, spited by an enemy, and brought low into slavery before the book begins. In this way it is very similar to its sequel, which features a protagonist brought low from a high position, and seeking redemption, which leads to adventure and struggle. This themes are worked subtly, however, and with skill.
The most imaginative element of the work, to me, remains the religious/mystical constructions and the way the interplay with the magic of the fantasy world. It is extremely original, and each of the three books adds a new and completely different element (in this book it is the "curse," in the second book it is the concept of "daemons,"). All of these aspects together contrive a universe that is complex and bears fruit for thought, particularly against consideration of themes popular to other great writers of speculative fiction like Stephen King or Neil Gaiman, which is to say the contest between free will, fate, and mystical/supernatural/superhuman direction.
She does not have the name recognition of these other writers (nor of the other great fantasy writer who is to follow), but she deserves more attention than she has hitherto received. These books will make you think more than most of the fantasy out there.
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