This is very much an issue of two halves, and I liked them both - albeit for very different reasons. In the first, the introduction of one of the Arcanic courts introduces another political element into the text. I always enjoy stuff like this - shifting priorities and allegiances - much more than battles, so that was fun. In the second half, my enjoyment was more character-based. I feel immensely sorry for poor little Kippa, who seems doomed to be dragged from one horrific experience to another with only her tail for comfort... and a cat. There's not a lot of funny moments in this series, it's too grim for that, but the images of Kippa hugging that cat half to death while it looked absolutely horrified to be so hugged was a welcome moment of light relief.