Vol 7 is among the strongest volumes of this series. East of West still has the problems it has always had. The cast is large. New faces pop up regularly and have a major impact on the plot outside of the chosen. The series is finally reaching a point of all out war. With the power players revealing their hands. Expect High action and surprises. My major knock against this series is that Hickman swings for the fences and gives us too much to digest on a regular basis. So much religion, politics, race, and characters, and motivation that it all feels important. That being said you manages it well and this book will have you on the edge of your seat.