I've enjoyed this third volume of "Hammer & the Cross" saga greatly. First I want to point out how Harrison starts from an universe deeply rooted in early middle ages in the first volume and end in a completely different environment, created by the new facts and actions performed by Shef and his pals.
In "King and Emperor", the human dimension of each character grows and they are confronted with moral and ethical dilemmas. Shef, Svandis, Cwicca, Thorvin, Bruno, Brand and the rest (even the crooked Erkenbert) has to choose between different actions in order to proceed. Still is a novel full of action, adventure and entertainment. In my personal point of view, some aspects of Svandis cuasi Freudian dream explanations are out of context. I don't agree with other reviewers, in their appreciation of an abrupt and rash ending of the novel. The confrontation between Bruno and Shef is well paced and reach a "logical" ending.
The overall background of examining different religious beliefs is provoking, but each reader may extract it's own conclusions without being forced by the author to take sides or accept his points of view.
A great book!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.