This series just continues to wow me and there was no second book slog to be found. This book does start off a tad slower than the first one but it is made interesting by getting to know the big empire and how it works. The political machinations were turned up in this volume and it still had the central mystery element as well. Action sequences and more of the arcane and necromancy powers where so well done and kept me enthralled. I cannot wait to read the final book in this series soon!