I enjoyed this book more than the 1st, although I've been saying that a lot about YA fantasy series, so maybe it's just me. The plot is a bit typical (I predicted a character twist), but I really enjoyed how the tsatahlik and algebraists expanded upon the mechanics of magic established in Beasts Made of Night. I particularly liked the algebraists, just because I like the idea of naming and math as magic. It was nice seeing Aliya get a role that was as powerful and important as Taj's. I don't know how I felt about the ending and Karima's story arc. The sadness of the decision that had to be made felt a bit forced. All in all, a quick fun read.