This novel reads either like a conclusion to Thara Celehar's stories, or at least a conclusion to what in retrospect more like his Amalo arc: this book is by far the longest of the three, and there is a lot references and reappearances of people and threads from the first two, presented with a measure of closure. I am deeply fond of "sad gay priest solves crimes for justice and doesn't notice he makes friends along the way" genre, and this particular novel really leans into it with an emphatic "and friends aggressively remind him they exist and are willing to share his burdens". From that perspective, it was lovely to let the rythm of Thara Celehar's narrative voice, and his persistent kindness in the name of service, carry the story forward. I would have been okay with the crime of the week kinda return to the world, but once it became clear the ambition is wider - a petition like no other in history, and even a couple of cameos from Maia and Csevet, and yet the loose ends were coming from earlier cases Thara Celehar had solved - I was enjoying this even more.

To address the relationship elephant in the room: I have so many thoughts about Iana Pel-Thenhior. SO MANY. I can easily imagine this will spark discussion once the book hits the shelves, so suffice it to say at this stage that my view on resolution with Iana is that the guy Wei Wuxian'ed real hard there. It's entirely possible to read what he said at face value, and everyone can decide for themselves whether it ought to be taken as such or analyzed deeper, but you will pry this explanation out of my cold dead hands. (distant muttering about straight boy Wei Ying problems; further muttering about a threesome being also acceptable)

With gratitude to Netgalley and Solaris/Rebellion for an early review copy, as this was one of my most awaited books of the year.

The third book in the series finds our protagonist continuing on his path towards self-acceptance and happiness, while dealing with dragons, political corruption, gross negligence, and treason. Many of the characters are as in the previous books, with a few notable additions.

I continue to really like the author's writing style - her prose is vivid and potent, creating colourful scenes and memorable encounters. The plot itself, while not particularly riveting, does the job of keeping the reader going. The protagonist evolves throughout the story, and moves away from the morbid and self-effacing proclivities (which is very welcome).

While I enjoyed it, this book had several flaws. First and foremost, in its levity, plot structure, and style it reminded me a lot of the Penric and Desdemona series by Bujold. It is inferior to that series in its protracted depictions of clothes, food, tea, political intrigue and court gossip, and religious ceremonies, which add little to plot progression. I just don't care enough about any of it. It's so inconsequential that it really has no place in the narrative. Bujold does a great job skirting these elements, or, when she does talk about them, she does so in service of the plot. Here - it just didn't fit. I also really struggle with the protagonist. While they are clearly a good person, they are quite insufferable, and I find it incredible that they inspire such devotion in their friends. It just doesn't hold water. They take way more than they give, and, over time, such personalities tend to struggle with keeping their friends around them, in real life.

Overall - a lovely little read, and I'm glad I read it. I'm not sure I'll remember much of it as times goes by, as there is little there beyond the narrow story, and I don't think that not reading it would have left a lacune of note in my literary journey.

Recommended to anyone looking for a light read, and for fans of Bujold, in particular.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison is such a good story. I loved every single second of it and I couldn't be more grateful because I could read it. I rated it 5 stars.