I'm surprised at how fast I read this, for which I have to say pure escapism. I would love to go to a school like this, be part of such a solid friend group. I also just really loved being back in Tortall.

I might have also been a bit desperate for a plot, but in reality this is just scene after scene of a growning students life. There's small events that you can piece together as a reader, but it reveals a long con/plan and Arram stumbles into them, thinks about them, but doesn't pursue answers or potential criminals. He's pretty much focused on his studies. Even his relationships with girls/dating/flirting are c plots.

That said, still enjoyed this and am now primed for a spectacular sequel. It helps that i know where these characters end up. I desperately want to know how they got there.