I really loved this series, and positively devoured the books - I think I finished this one a day after I got it, because I just didn't put it down. Having read so many Darkover novels, I was fascinated by the chance to read more about the legendary Varzil the Good, and I like that his and Carolin's forging of the Compact is such an arduous, painful process. I also appreciate that even Eduin, Rumail Deslucido's son, is human and at times even sympathetic. Although it's set in a fantasy world, the danger and distrust around the issue of weapons of mass destruction seems very true to life, and very a propos these days.