This one was not one of my favorites. Niall is a whiny, self-centered brat. Over half of the book is him going on and on about how he doesnt want and doesnt deserve the throne. Hes not worthy, not good enough, hes only half a man because he is lirless, and so on. All he thinks about is himself, and I was happy when he was almost forgotten on Erinn after the shipwreck. I almost liked him when he had genuine feelings for Diedre, but then he went back to self-loathing. It made me happy to find out he married a mad woman. The worst part... He turns suddenly and decides that even though he wasnt worthy of the throne before, now he is the ONLY one that is worthy. Sigh... I wont lie, I giggled when he lost his eye. And, of course, another main character dies to make way for all of Niall's children. Maybe the next book will be better.