This series exhausts me. I’m wondering how far this story will sink. At what point does it seem to support cruelty and sadism? I almost checked out with the SA of Fizzy and her obvious Stockholm Syndrome. I guess I’m holding on hoping this story reaches a redemptive arc for the main character but …. This is the first pro-villain story I’ve invested time in. It’s like listening to the life story of the Talented Mr. Ripley and how the character evolves – not to become good or more humane, but to manipulate decent people of their loyalty, time, money and lives. Whatever good the protagonist accomplishes is by accident. We’re supposed to be sympathetic to this monster and hate the evil ‘human empire’ while cheering the diverse Elvish republic…oh please. This cardboard narrative is the weakest element of this world building. The ending of this book is especially haunting and heart breaking. I regret buying the first 6 books now as I see how the stakes are driving up. I think I can see the arc of this story now and don’t know if I’ll make