I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up until 4 in the morning reading it. The world building is strong, the characters are interesting and Harrison can spin a story. I wish Tricks/Niniane had been less impulsive but as the story went on she began to settle down and do more thinking ahead. 
 If you haven't read the first book, some things might be confusing but overall, I think you could read it as a stand alone.