This final return to the Bas Lag universe left me with something less than the previous two books. Character development lacked in this one, with more focus on the politics and confrontations. The ending has what I can only describe as three climactic battles, which may be a bit more than necessary to bring about the final ending. Despite these issues with the Iron Council I would still like to see a few more books set in this universe. The weird fantasy steampunk mix is fascinating.