An all around great book. The main characters were interesting but the one I loved most was Niko. I have a grandson that is very similar to his character, so I was eager to see how the author would have Alexos interact with Niko. I was happy to see Alexos' patience and understanding, and his willingness to step back and let things happen at its own pace. Iolanthe needed a stiffer backbone, but you can't help but sympathize with her. Her father was a tyrant and Alexos's treatment of her was horrid. It took ten years for her to finally grow a pair and find happiness.