This is a continuation of the previous book Path of Deceit. We see a bit from those from the Path of the open hand, they appear in parts of the book but not in a big way like the previous. This book mainly centers around a war between to neighboring planets of Eiram and E'ronoh. The watery Eiram and the arid E'ronoh played a role in phase 1, but this is our first time exploring them fully.
The two sides attempt a cease fire in an attempt to stop the war. The republic and the Jedi attempt to help bring the peace between the two Waring factions. Thankfully, each world's main royal is distinct and memorable -- Xiri A'lbaran is the daughter of E'ronoh's monarch, while Phan-tu is the adopted son of Eiram's queen. Their evolving relationship is the novel's emotional core, since they represent hope for the future.
Gella a Jedi, Xiri and Phan-tu are joined by royalty of another sort -- Axel Greylark, the arrogant son of a Republic chancellor. Sent to represent the galactic union's political interests. But there is more to him than we realise as the story progresses. Axel's character leans too hard into bad boy tropes; he's impossibly charismatic and dangerous.
And of course being Star Wars things get spiced up further as a shadowy villainous group is trying to end the ceasefire between Eiram and E'ronoh. Unlike the last book which didn't have much in a way of action, this has action especially towards the end of the book. The characters in this book are quited good to some degree. I find this book better than the previous book.
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