Well, I did really like this book. I'm pretty disappointed that it took so long before Raffe showed up, though. The last 2/3-3/4 of the book was much better than the first part, which wasn't hard to read but felt like it took way too much time building up. Essentially, the writing and characters were just as good as in the first book, but the events were less shocking and horrific, one of the two main characters doesn't show up until 3/4 through the book, and (because of that,) there's very little of the fluff that I loved so much in the first book. I mean, I appreciate a book that doesn't let the romance take away from the action, but hey, I've been waiting for this book for almost a year-- I need a little consolation! :P I did still love the book though. I'd almost forgotten how great Raffe's and Penryn's conversations could be-- I laughed out loud while reading more than once. It's just a shame that there wasn't more chance for dialogue between them. I'll definitely be looking forward to the third book though. *sits impatiently in a corner and fidgets*