I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first book, but still on the whole a really solid sequel that built onto the story to create something of much wider scope. It felt a bit slow through the first half and there were lots of POV jumps and side plots that were interesting, and in fairness did add a new dimension to the world, but just weren't that intriguing to me (I wanted more Karou and her magic and monsters). I have to admit I was getting worried by the halfway point, because I couldn't see how things were going to work out or come together, but WOW! The ending was so worth it, I can't wait to find out what comes next! 
 Also; Ziri [?]