More of the (good) same from book 1. Less fresh from being the second book, and a bit more convoluted. It is even more transparently a role-playing game here, and I liked that. The author has given himself license to have plot twists and character choices that are shameless fan service and that works for this series.

He also shows how to be sensitive without it being obsequious or "politically correct". For example, the hobgoblin's comic relief drunken cavorting is put in contrast with a brief vignette about an alcoholic and his friends consider an intervention.

I definitely wanted to own a wizard van after reading this.