This book continues Vlad's strange adventures as he meets the Demon Goddess. He's trying to oppose her will, he thinks, or is he actually doing her will? A bit more fantastical and adventurous than the usual Vlad novel. ( )

An outstanding novel: Brust really puts what he's capable of in "Phoenix". He incorporates the suspense of Teckla minus the depressing overtone and the more on unbelievable aspects found in Taltos. And of course you get Loiosh's usual comic relief. It starts off with Vlad being saved by his demon-goddess, Verra (Example of the far-out stuff), and has to shine someone for her. It picks up from there. Brust really took his time on the descriptions and Vlad's thoughtshots, esp. in the segment when he is on Greeanare and hides in the tree. Many parts in the island scenes make you want to read on and on until the unexpected happens. You will be surprised at some of this stuff. It all comes down to an unprecedented climax in which Vlad must make a choice that could cost him his life. I'd call it the best in the series.
*note: this takes place between Teckla and Athyra

I liked this book much better than some of the previous ones. It was cool to see a part of Dragaera other than Adrilankha for once, to see that life is different outside of the empire. I wish there was even more time spent on Greenaere and getting to know Aibynn. It was surprising and intriguing finding out the relationship between Verra and Aliera and Vlad. It was also satisfying to finally have Cawti express some emotion towards Vlad at the end. I wonder if Morrolan and Noish-pa will become friends? ( )

After the flashback of Taltos, we return to the time period of the other books and pick up with the story line after Teckla. Like the latter, this is an introspective and downbeat story line, lacking the light-heartedness of the first two books. The characters are still quite good, Brust's writing has not diminished but, darn it, I want all of the irreverent humor back, not just the occasional flash! ( )

More indirection and intrigue and of course assassination. Vlad offs a king on the command of a goddess and things get... complicated, as they do. Things with his wife continue to chill down, and the book ends on a sadly optimistic note as Vlad reaches an end in his ruminations about the morality of being an assassin. ( )