I continue to enjoy the heck out of this series; it's sort of fantasy-light where the author focuses more on the characters and a mystery-type plot than a bunch of fantasy creatures.

Aelis is on her way back to civilization to act as an Advocate for her mentor and the most powerful wizard alive, Warden Bardun Jacques; imprisoned for the crime of murder.  Apparently, he asked for her himself and the Wardens had no choice but agree.  An Advocate is there to help the accused and, potentially, work with their lawyer.  Without even knowing the details, she is already convinced that her great mentor could not, under any circumstances, have heinously murdered another Warden.  Her faith is a bit…misplaced.

Bardun had been investigating the smuggling of powerful magical artifacts and trying to track where they were going.  He was obviously not meant to do that and was being strongly advised to stop his investigation.  Imprisoned, there was little more he could do; but, Aelis, on the other hand, can investigate anything she pleases in the course of her duty as Advocate.  She just needs to be careful and not get dead. She does find help from an old friend; unfortunately, this old friend wants to rekindle their previous relationship and while sorely tempted, Aelis cannot forget the female elf who holds her heart and is waiting to be rescued.

Her investigation was very dangerous; particularly when she realized there was a guild of assassins operating in her city…and no one will believe her.  She knows they are connected to the smuggling but she has to find a way to prove it to give Bardun a chance in court.  She has to also balance her time on the case with time at the library looking for a way to release Maurenia from her curse.  She's thrilled that one of her old professors evinces an interest in helping her.  She had no way of knowing his interest was anything but solicitous. Aelis also accidently discovers a very efficient and useful aide in the form of a drunken gnome; without him, she might never have found the information she needed.

But when a fellow Warden attempted to kill her; she discovered that the smuggling ring was much more than she had even imagined.  According to her erstwhile murderer, everything was being manipulated by a secret cabal; one that even a Warden feared.  But rather than dispatching him herself; she thinks he might be more useful if he can be induced to help her.  Unfortunately, the only way she can envision his cooperation was going to cost her a great deal; and not in money.

This story has two major points to clear up: to clear the name of Warden Bardun Jacques, and to find a solution to the curse that binds Maurenia.  But the answers are so much more convoluted than that summary implies.  The real reason the secret cabal of wizards are smuggling magical artifacts was enough to shock even Aelis; who has seen some truly awesome shite.  As to the binding curse, Aelis is again shocked when she discovers the possible true nature of the creature who created the curse.

And the series goes on…the author cleverly uses one of those points to give Aelis a new direction to her life; apparently, a life that may not have Maurenia in it any longer.  It isn't a choice she would have made willingly; it's dangerous and loathsome but she may be the only Warden alive who can do it.

This author continues to satisfy with a well-crafted plot, ingenious plot devices, and fascinating characters.  Aelis continues to be the most arrogant protagonist I've met; yet still sympathetic. When I read the first book I thought it would be another ho-hum epic fantasy.  After this third book, I am impressed at the depth he brings to his story.  And I am definitely staying around for the ride.   ~~ Catherine Book

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