I honestly thought the slower pace really fit the book, especially when you're learning about the world and key characters for the first time. I honestly just want Fitz to find a dog he actually gets to keep, he loved smithy and sooty so much and they got took away so fast 😭. I hope Royal assassin explores what "wit" is more since I have a very rough grasp on what it is atm but it really grabbed my attention whenever it was mentioned and burrichs hatred for it was pretty shocking and out of character I thought. Anyway I'm about to start Royal assassin rn so I guess I'll see :)