After 8 books I can safely say I am obsessed with this series. I love Laurence, Quentin, Frederick, Basil and even Mikey at this point. I think the characters are the main strength of this series. I think that Laurence and Quentin's relationship growth took a bit of a back seat in this one, and am hoping they are more front and center in the next book. I know this is a fantasy series but the magic parts are my least favorite thing about these books. I just don't care about the magic, but I will follow any of these characters around doing literally anything else.