After a mediocre, but promising start to the series with A Darker Shade of Magic), I was nervous about being disappointed by the second book in this wildly popular series.  For me, A Darker Shade of Magic was problematic in a number of areas, but particularly the characters.  Their lack of development and personality, coupled intense disappointment over Delilah Bard's character, I felt really let down by this incredibly popular series.  If you're curious, you can read my review of the first book here.