Terrific series with a few flaws now...

I love the series, and this installment was no exception in terms of plotting and character development. Overall, the series is magnificent. I do have two issues that caused me to give it a 4 star rating instead of a 5.

--one is that Pol is really killing a LOT...at least the author has him question that. But having every sticky situation end in instant death is a bit much. Maybe the "bad guys" shouldn't be so extreme? Easy death shouldn't be the constant solution. At least it isn't very graphic.
--the biggest issue by far is the author has Pol's friend/love interest CONSTANTLY pinching, poking, hitting and slapping Pol, leaving bruises and pain. It is so bad that I started inadvertently saying aloud, "Stop it!" and "Not Again???" when the author had her pinch him, in particular. UGH...no one behaves like that and no one puts up with it (except in very dysfunctional relationships)--it's abuse. Really dislike the author's use of this. It mars otherwise great writing.

Because of these two issues, I am pausing in the otherwise very intriguing story. The narration has been great but I am not so keen on the voice of the main character--the "abusive" young woman...