I have to agree with with you but at the same time I have to think that all of the above is only setting us up for what transpires in the second book

Warning: spoiler below if you have not read RotE

Am I the only person to notice that Anele is Elena spelt backwards?

Also the general plot seems to be a

Spoiler

repeat of the very first book

Lost Staff of Law,
Find Staff of Law
In finding it release a power that serves the Despiser