3.5 stars. 
 I definitely enjoyed this book, but I thought the first novel in the series was slightly better. This book was considerably darker thanThe Warrior Heir. The protagonist, Seph, is mentally tortured through most of the beginning of this novel and has serious thoughts of suicide. There are also characters that are murdered in this novel. I only mention this because I wasn't sure if this is a middle school or YA novel. After I read the first book, I thought it would be appropriate for middle grades and even reading to young children because it was such a fun read and great story; however, with this one being darker, I just wanted to caution parents who might be considering reading this one with their kids. 
 Although this story is darker, it is still good. I hadn't expected this story to focus on another person. I just assumed that this story would continuing following Jack; however, the main perspective is from Joseph (Seph), but don't worry, we still get to eventually see all of our old friends that we met in the Warrior Heir. 
 I am definitely hooked on this serious and am looking forward to picking up the Dragon Heir next.