The first grid lines
It is not that this edition of the Book of the Whole fully binds the previous volumes together, but the author’s greater intention is slowly emerging. In addition to new characters, there are also those we know from previous parts. The events that we read about in the North Frontier , King of the Unlimited , and the Grombelard Legend are all mentioned here. The plot of the Eternal Peace could take place completely detached from them, but the author began to draw lines that connect them all. It is still difficult to talk about seeing a coherent whole (nomen omen). Nevertheless, everything indicates that the title of the series will not be exaggerated.
Addictive storyline
A very strong point of the Lady of Good Sign. Eternal Peace is a plot. The book is read with almost flushed face. The next events take place quite quickly, but we are by no means rushing with the heroes at breakneck speed. The author’s style is conducive to enjoying this extremely interesting story. This combination makes it very easy to linger on a book much longer than we originally planned.
This does not mean, however, that this volume has no flaws. There are some minor illogicalities in the construction of heroes or events. As in some of the previous installments of the series, it would also be possible to cut out a lot of the described events without losing the plot and meaningfulness of the novel. However, it is difficult to predict whether and to what extent the author needs them for what he will describe in the next volumes.
Heroines
Kres placed several heroines at the center of all events. Of course, men also scroll through the pages of the novel and play an important role, but it is women who stand out here. They differ in temperament, behavior, appearance and social position. Some of them are really interestingly written, but unfortunately not all of them. Importantly, however, they are quite varied.
Unfortunately, as in the previous volumes, the author did not avoid sexism and excessive sexualization, as well as infantilization of the heroines he created. This may be attributed to the time when the book was written, but nevertheless it offends the reader a bit and prevents you from enjoying a good read. The problem is not as severe as in the Ribbons of Aler , but it is noticeable.
Overall, the novel fares well. Certain shortcomings in several respects are overshadowed by the skillful writing technique and brilliant idea of Feliks W. Kres. Slowly putting the whole cycle together into a coherent whole gives hope that the next parts will be equally interesting and will shed new light on what we have already learned about Szerer.
