I've always loved the series of Spellslinger, from the first book, and this book has been absolutely no exception. It is an amazing book, one that i would definitely recommend to others. The broken plot transmission may seem hard to understand at first, but the book always does make sense in the end. Kellen finally meets other people who have been banded within shadow, and finally learns the truth about his own: 'to become her [grandmother] very own personal oasis.' The notion of family is explored very thoroughly throughout the book and is one where people views and beliefs on what they should be to one is very conflicting. Overall, this book is one you must definitely read - De Castell is an amazing author!!