On paper, I should really enjoy Scalzi novels. In practice, not so much. Every character feels like an extension of Scalzi's social media presence. Fir the first book of this series, I could put up with it because the premise and plot were interesting.

There's nothing interesting in this second installment. it's just court intrigue with a bunch of wise cracking nobles. Scalzi can't seem to write a normal conversation, or plot intrigue that isn't over the top mustache-twirling.

Unfortunately for me, i want to know the end of the saga now. i will read the third book. then please, talk me out of reading any other of his books.

(He seems like a decent guy, but his fiction is just oil to my water.)