I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having read the first book and skipping the next 9 books in the series, I was a bit worried about being lost in terms of backstory and characters. Turns out, this book is a standalone in many ways. Anything of import from previous books are given a brief explanation as to the who, whats, whys, etc... The grand adventure in this book has Toby apart from many of the other characters in the book.

I do have to say that this book was far more enjoyable for me than the first one. I guess I'm more ok with expository backstory than I am with expository set up for a series. But the former is often needed in the story being read and the latter almost reeks of desperation. I do also think that it has a lot to do with the author really getting better at her craft. She's built up a pretty incredible world and cast of characters.

It's a rollicking adventure story that had actual consequences for characters.

It's hard to say how hardcore fans will feel about the story, since I haven't read the 9 books in between. But I can say that if you haven't read the series before, you're not missing much if you jump right in here. If anything, it makes you want to read some other books within the series.

I suppose my biggest issue is still Seanan's love of telling instead of showing.