This follow-up to The Noble Villains turns up the emotion and stakes while maintaining a breakneck pace of violence and tragedy. There are funny moments, and heartwarming moments, and when they happen they are both so strong when contrasted with the darkness of Wildschut's world. My favorite thing is that, although the consequences of the world are massive, I find myself turning pages to find it what will happen with the new nascent characters and their relationship to the returning Noble Villains. Incredible second story in a sequel; must read!