I liked this one just a little bit better than the first. I will say, the clunky exposition about sworn soldiers and stuff that was in the first book pays dividends in this one, as you get a real sense of Gallacian culture. This book has the same dark whimsy as its predecessor. I wish we had learned more about the Moroi's identity as the story unfolded rather than in one paragraph after everything was over. Still, this was an enjoyable read. I really do love Alex Easton as a character, and I hope we get more.