Where the first book was filled with slightly whiny kids finding their place in the magical world and facing the trials of that life, this book is filled with a darker and more fantastic story line. We finally get to see the trials of Julia, which turn out to be a greater struggle than imagined, and we watch as Quentin finally comes to terms with what it means to be a hero in the story.
I felt far less like I was missing details in this story, and ultimately loved seeing more of the magic of Fillory and then doubling back to see how that magic exists in our world. Very excited to see how the third installment goes picking up from the end of this story!