This story is very good, much better than the previous book. The threat is strong, the journey and adventures the characters go on is exciting and interesting.
The characters as always are excellent and the way they act is realistic, funny and well-written. Carolinus's relationship with his kettle is wonderful!
The biggest problem I had with this book was how much stronger Jim's magical powers were in this book compared to the previous ones Yes, he was upgraded at the end of book three but as this book is set immediately afterwards is seems unlikely he should be that much better without any additional training or studying.
The expansion into the magical realm is very interesting and we get to see much more of magician society and how it is run.