As per my review of the first book, these are engaging 'brain in neutral' fantasy that avoid the "chosen one" fallacy. The author also likes to keep the word count well within sane limits which is also much appreciated. This one dragged a little in the middle. Perhaps because, unlike the first book, the locale didn't change overmuch which meant a relentless focus on the current big bad which led to a feeling of 'padding'. A thing I appreciated in the first book was it's skipping about, allowing new characters to be brought in. Also, the antagonist in the first one had way more charm than the one in this. That all being said, it still rates 4 stars and a recommend.