[dwndrgn]

I've read the whole series (all that is out so far, of course) and I've enjoyed it. One of the most interesting things is the power of the Mother Confessor - something so awesome that the wielder is afraid/horrified to use it. I wouldn't say it was dark and depressing though. There are quite a few points where this may be evident but I don't think it is all-pervasive. Quite a few sub-stories detail how corrupting power can become, even for ordinary people who's perceptions of power change when it becomes theirs. I found these to be an interesting view of how people can do things that they would ordinarily find absolutely horrible. Kind of another way to look at how things like the Holocaust can happen.