The Widow's House

weakest of the series

Executive Summary: While not quite as good as [b:The Tyrant's Law 15790816 The Tyrant's Law (The Dagger and the Coin, #3) Daniel Abraham https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351071320s/15790816.jpg 21512368], another solid book that sets things up nicely for the final book.Audio book: Pete Bradbury once again gives a great performance, making audio the best way to do this series in my opinion.Full ReviewWell dammit. I've enjoyed this series so much that now I've caught up and have to wait a year or more for the next and final book. Thankfully unlike some other authors it seems like I won't have to wait too long for the conclusion, and that will definitely be a release day read for me.Once again this is a very character-driven story that focuses on economics and politics more than magic and battles. There is a lot of fighting going on, but we usually only see the before or the after and very little fighting. Similarly there is magic, but it's all very hand wavy and not well fleshed out. In fact one of the characters wonders why so many practitioners make their money by doing tricks and aren't utilized in fighting only to be told that conjuring fire isn't nearly as effective in the long term as a bow and arrow.I liked this book a little less than the last one however. I think it's partially due to Clara's chapters for the first half of the book. She felt more like a camera than an important character. For awhile I was wondering why exactly she was doing what she was, but by the end it made sense and I she might have regained her status as my favorite character.Meanwhile Marcus's chapters are probably are probably the most interesting. Anyone who finished the last book should be able to guess why that is.This book really highlights the differences of obtaining power by using military might and money. The title Dagger and Coin was well chosen by Mr. Abraham as we see both approaches to gaining power and attempts to bring about “peace” and order.I really enjoy this series, which should be obvious if you look at how quickly I've listened to it. It's nice to have a fantasy series that feels realistic without being “grimdark”. Plus I really enjoy the characters and the importance of money not being glossed over or relegated to minor subplot. If my last 3 reviews haven't convinced you, hopefully this one will to catch up with the series before the final book comes out.

The Widow's House suffered from a dragging middle as Abraham's put pieces in place for the concluding volume(s) of the series. Not a bad book, just a bit long in parts.