
I really liked both Bettina and Trehan. I enjoyed that Bettina wasn't amazingly strong for most of the book, but wasn't whiny, and it wasn't the focus of her personality. Trehan was intense, but again, not overly so. I didn't feel like I connected with either of them as much I have with other characters in the past, but they were enjoyable.
I'm dying to find out what happened to Lanthe. I know it probably can't happen, but I want to see her somehow end up with Thronos. A mortal enemy? Somehow, I'm sure Cole would make it perfect. SHE HAD BETTER BE THE NEXT BOOK, you hear me, Ms. Cole? ;-)
Great job, as usual.