This sequel to Heroing still has that fine "back story" slant of what it means to be a hero and again ab Hugh is poking a stick into a archetype -- the slave who becomes a hero story -- but the wit and humor of Heroing, the first tale of Jiana, was not as good this time around.
Or maybe Heroing was just a better read.
Whichever, read Heroing by ab Hugh, and if you want more about Jiana, you can pick up this very good sequel.