Declaimer's Stand

I enjoyed the fourth installment of this series. An entire book set on the battlefield is one I have limited experience with, and it was an interesting read. I did not like how Ehma was cold to Baz the entire book unless she wanted something from him, and even then she was entitled about it. I have not understood her mood swings for the last two books; she smiles at Baz one second and is glaring at him the next. She betrayed Baz, usurped him with Tax and had him locked up, and then immediately bombarded him after the treaty negations to say things like “we need to talk” and “I want to be a family with you and Munch and keep sleeping with you”. I doubt she's sorry for what she has done, and she certainly seems in no rush to apologize. She's just pissy that her plan didn't work.

I have also noticed that since Ehma betrayed Baz (whether he forgives her or not is not relevant right now), there are no longer any women in the story who are not enemies. Tessa was never really a friend (especially since she gave Baz immense power without ever consulting him or training him), Adalexa was a crazy cult leader who wanted to kill everyone, Leanna was a power-hungry backstabber, Ehma was scheming behind Baz's back the entire book, and even Aunt Trivinal lied to Del's face to lead him to his death. The only woman who was ever truly on Baz's side was Mauve, and she's dead. None of the women in this universe are trustworthy and I wonder why that is.

So it does seem like Tax is the Declaimer of the prophecy after all, which I appreciate because he's not the protagonist. He lead the treaty negotiations for peace and will work with Erstwhile's government in the future for Speaker's rights, so he is the one who is setting them free. Especially since “words” isn't capitalized in the prophecy, which means the Speakers won't be freed by elemental power. I don't like his arrogance though and how he kept working with Ehma behind Baz's back to take control. If he approached Baz and formally requested a change in leadership, he probably would have complied and the soldiers would have probably followed with less trepidation.

I wonder what the final book will hold and if everyone's desire for power (except Baz of course) will be satisfied or if there will be more fighting.

ALSO, HOLD ON. IS OCTAVINAL A DARK ONE?????? He said it's been thousands of years since he's been on a battlefield and he has Spoken power. Maybe that's why he wants to go after Farston so badly, he want to challenge him. I know it doesn't make too much sense since we met the Dark Ones and only one escaped. So it comes down to if it's Farston (which is most likely) or if it's Octavinal. Maybe when Del stabbed Farston the Dark One chose a new host in Octavinal??? I am very curious to find out.