1/21/13 ** Hearne used this book to add some backstory for several other characters that readers had met in books #1 & 2. I enjoyed that, but am not a short-story fan, which is essentially what happened in several chapters.
The author and Atticus (main character) did spend time considering whether keeping one's sworn word is worth it, even if you later see serious problems with what you've sworn to do. Interesting.