I liked it.I magically know all of the characters names, was actually interested in the intrigue, wasn't pissed off there was no UST (or anything awkwardly sexual at all in this book) between two characters that I believe will eventually get together, AND I actually know the characters' names (Alec, Seregil, Nysander, Thero, Micum, etc. as opposed to "that dude who's name starts with S" or "the wizard dude" or "the bitter apprentice").I just can't wait for Alec and Seregil to get together.