Well, I liked this better than the first one in the series, but there's still something that's just not there for me. I really just think its Ms. Black's writing style. Not every author's style works for every reader, and this is certainly okay. I guess I just prefer something with more emotional depth. The storyline and world of the Curseworkers is definitely interesting--which is why I continue to read (that and because the book was on the bargain shelf at my local Hastings). I'll read Black Heart. Eventually. Maybe once it, too, goes on the bargain shelf. I just don't really care for the sparse narrative.