This is a great series, although not quite going up to the level Alanna is on. Daine is a funny, and realistic character who anyone could relate to. In the third book I was starting to get bored. This book is more exciting, although I don't like that Daine and Numair are in a strange world the whole time (part of the problem with the third book)
I was surprised at how Pierce formed the romance in this one. Daine and Numair's relationship is a lot hotter and spicier than any of the relationships in her other books. Which is good.
The book answers virtually all questions about Daine's past. I like this book, but I half to say I was somewhat dissapointed by the second, third and fourth books. The beginning was amazing, and I believe the series had the potential to be a lot better. All the added Immortals were a bit over-the-top. Of course, you must remember that I'm speaking on Tamora Pierce's impossibly high standards. These are really great books, they just weren't Pierce's absoloute best.
I really enjoyed this book. I personally felt it wrapped everything up pretty well. You hear from almost everybody, (Except Maura and the Long Lake Pack, unfortunatly) and any development that needed to be done was done. I knew that Daine and Numair would be the only couple that worked, but I was wondering after Emperor Mage how it would work - that was quite an age difference to work around. Personally, I thought it was pulled off well - the character's brought the age problem up themselves! Whoo! And I thought it was also done remaining true to the character's personalities. That was important, too.
All in all, it was a well done ending to the story. I highly recommend it - it is a great fantasy for animal lovers, and for people who like romance. (You won't find so much in the other Immortal books. I think that's why THIS one had so much. :P)