This was a satisfying follow-up to the first book. The setting continues to be really lovely and well-executed, with this book giving us a chance to see more parts of the kingdom. The moral complexity of the issues the heroes are facing is explored more deeply as well, which is great. The characters remain a delight, and I wanted the best for all ofIthem. I did find the length a bit challenging, but there are not specific parts I find gratuitous or boring — just that I wish it was slightly faster moving some of the time. Overall, however, it was a very worthy sequel and a great book and it was amazing to spend time in such a rich world with such beautiful, complex characters.