I like it even better than the first.
I'm surprised, and impressed, that Sanderson was able to keep up the same tone and interest in this one and yet still provide a refreshed narrative without too many references to the first book. Although I shouldn't be. Because it's Sanderson. And he can do that kind of thing with both hands tied behind his back, blindfolded, suspended upside-down over a pit of snakes while being sucked into a black hole.
Ooookay, this Alcatraz guy is really getting to me.
(Also, I love Kaz. Oh, and Bastille. And Grandpa Smedry. Did I mention Kaz? He's so smart and funny—which, yes, does give him a tendency to be sarcastic. But mostly smart.)