I seem to be on a (re)reading the Young Wizards kick. I always remember liking this one just a bit less than its predecessor (which means it was really good, rather than OMG amazing!). I think I'm just a bit bothered by the plot and the death elements. Not that people don't die in these books (well, it's not Game of Thrones, but it's still serious), but something about the plot left me...bugged as a kid and, therefore, still bugged as an adult.
Anyway, it was still awesome and I'm looking forward to starting the next book. In, as they say, my copious spare time.