I enjoyed this sequel slightly more than the first book. It is the same length as the first, but I felt this book made twice as much progress in both plot and character development. The ending was satisfying, if not marginally cathartic, and I think it's a great setup going into the conclusion of the trilogy. 

However, I can't help thinking that Uhtred from Cornwell's Saxon Stories is the superior character. I can't help making the comparison, and it's unavoidable given their similar origin stories. Not to mention the practically identical memoir-like narrative device in the books. Derfel is a fantastic protagonist and narrator for this tale, but he's missing that ineffable quality Uhtred was able to create. It's as if Derfel walks so that Uhtred could later run. In retrospect, I wish I had read this trilogy before picking up The Last Kingdom. That would have worked better historically speaking as well. 

Regardless, I'm excited to pick up the last book of this Arthurian retelling. It's probably my last Cornwell for the foreseeable future but I'm motivated to continue reading more historical fiction.