Like the first book, I simply could not put this one down. I love Venture's fighting spirit. The characters are well drawn and I particularly enjoy the fighting scenes, as sweaty and bloody as they are. I love Jade's character as well, and how, even though she's a girl of noble birth, she isn't a snob. The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat, and now I can't wait to bury my nose in book 3!