I don't know quite how it happened, but I somehow missed reading this one when I was growing up (reading Sword at Sunset and many of the others over and over!) So I came to it as an adult, and was surprised and delighted to discover how strong and readable it was as a story : it's probably my favorite of all now.

I agree that the relations between Flavia and her unnamed husband, and even more so between Ness & Aquila are... rather disturbing. But I think they are still very interesting to explore, bearing in mind that they are coloured by a different time and mentality. I'm quite glad that I read SAS first, and therefore first met Aquila and Ness as a couple much in love despite their contrasts, with a son and a home...

Interesting too to contrast with Guenhumara, Artos & Bedwyr.