A great continuation of Tariel's story, full of adventures and potent magic.
Riann was captured by the bandits, and the rest of the group - Tariel, Calrain, and Yarim - are determined to do everything to get him back. Disguised, they venture deep into the dangerous lands where the bandits' stronghold lies wrapped in protective magical wards. However, Tariel is a powerful witch, and slips into the den of thieves to get back her love. Only, she would not expect the situation she would find him in.. and totally would not expect someone would be willing to help her. Someone alluring and very, very attractive.
The tension in this book felt differently than in the previous book. When in book one it was all excitement and fear, running away from certain death, a constant pursuit, now it was slowly build in anticipation, plotting, and sort of a "spy game" tension - hinting at the careful yet passionate break into the bandits' den. Despite the difference, I loved it! It was new, different, yet very much in line with the story character-based. Great twist on this front.
I also very much loved the escalation in the heat level and the romantic relationships involved in the book. Contrary to the sort of quick burn in book one - the establishment of Tariel's harem was fast, let's be honest - this broadening of her love interest is more like a slow burn, another difference to the first book - and another very good one. Not to mention, this new addition to her harem is very attractive, with snarky attitude, yet smart and observant, and I instantly liked him. Maybe more than some others in the group.
Great story, fascinating world, potent magic capable of almost anything, and brilliant character building, those are all factors that made up this story what it is - an irresistible read. So go ahead and grab a copy now. (okay, after reading book one first :))