I really did like this book, even more than the first. It is darker, especially the ending, which was probably the only thing that kept me from loving it. Not a fault of the book, really, more of a preference of mine. 
 The first book felt a bit lacking to me in that I never felt much for the supporting cast because young Fitz wasn't sure how he felt about them either. This book changed all that. The cast is fleshed out, and we're able to see the depths of the relationships he's formed with those around him. Fitz is older now, but he's still just fifteen, so there's that adolescent mix of maturity and immaturity constantly at war with each other that I felt was fitting for his age. I enjoyed watching his abilities grow, as well as his sense of self. I will admit to being disappointed with the ending because it wasn't what I wanted to happen, but I'm hopeful that the author will tie things up in the last book in a way I never considered that is still satisfying. Don't the best stories end that way?