The first book in this series was amazing, and the sequel did not disappoint. It's slow moving and a lot of the action doesn't kick in until the last 15-20% or so, but I was still gripped the whole time. You get a new setting - the city of Sova - a bigger villain, and some new intrigue. I didn't love the way the relationship developed between Vonvalt and Helena, but I like that we got to see Helena examine Sir Konrad's flaws. And I just loved the scenes with Vonvalt's retinue - Helena, Bressinger, and Radomir - together. The writing is just so good! Can't wait for book 3!