The second book in the series takes place almost exclusively in a high fantasy sword and sorcery environment. Our vastly overpowered vampire protagonist has to come to terms with nearly everyone he knows being long-deceased while he slept, and a continuing series of clever challengers who get the better of him, repeatedly. The sardonic sense of humor and excitable inventor personality combined with a contrast of extreme kindness and nearly conscienceless cruelty make this one of the most entertaining characters I've ever seen. I loved this book as much as the first one, and was overjoyed that it was just as satisfyingly long and detailed.

Yes, that's right - you heard me correctly. People who want short books - shut up. Sit down. Some of us love LONG books. Some of us love reading about the mechanics of canal systems, and magical physics, especially when they're told with such enthusiasm. So there. :P

There's a lot of profound philosophy hidden away in these books. I love that, too.