3.5 stars.

Definitely seeing Kay's writing come into what it is in some of his later stuff. It's just so easy and engaging to read. This one was definitely a step above the first one and just seemed crisper and more of his ridiculously efficient style. Definitely getting huge Lord of the Rings vibes as this moves into the third book.

There are some things here I didn't love. I don't really enjoy the way he is writing fantasy. I enjoy his later more historic/light fantasy style. It also had some elements of myth that felt a little bit forced to me.