This is a book - indeed a whole series - which keeps a reader on the edge of their seat.  What is wrong with Arrant and can it be cured?  What is the Ravage, and can it be beaten before it is too late for everybody?  It is a big story; and Ligea’s own rule and problems take perhaps too much of a back seat.  They seem almost forgotten about except at odd moments, when it is almost a surprise that there is another story besides that of the Kardis.  Also at times the Job-like sufferings of the hapless Arrant go on for rather too long, but for all that, this is still a novel with a lot of detail, plenty of action and a grand sense of momentum.   I didn’t guess how it would all end, but felt satisfied, which is more than I do with many endings.  A writer to watch out for.