When I finished the first book in the Tears of Artamon series, Lord of Snow and Shadows, I have to admit I was disappointed. The story was absorbing, well researched, and the main characters all had a depth to them that made the story all the more poignant.
It was this involvement in the story that led to my disappointment with the ending. Without revealing the ending I will suffice to say that it was not cheerful. This made me somewhat reluctant to pick up the sequel, Prisoner of Ironsea Tower.
However my insatiable hunger for new reading material eventually led me to the second book in the Tears of Artamon.
If Lord of Snow and Shadows is a good book, then its sequel is bordering on fantastic. The main characters all gain new depth as they suffer and (in some cases) triumph, and some characters who did not play such large roles in the first book were fleshed out, along with an cast of new characters.
A wealth of new material regarding the 'history' of the world in which the books are set is revealed, along with information regarding the origin and agenda of the Drakhaoul.
Despite Sarah Ash's claim to there being no 'Dark Lords' in this series I have to say I have come to despise some characters, and love others (though there is a great deal more despising ;) ).
Though I consider Gavril's story to be the central thread of the plot many more threads are woven into this book, bringing different perspectives to the reader's attention. This open view of story has even managed to squeeze a little sympathy for Eugene out of me (Eugene being the character who has the place of honour on my hit-list).
Overall this is an incredible book, really expanding and improving the story set up in Lord of Snow and Shadows, and laying the stage for a dramatic climax in the yet to be released third book. Should anyone have any information on the third book I beg you to please share it with me as the afore-mentioned hunger is driving me insane.
I highly recommend this book to any and everyone.