4.75 Finally another Young Wizards book with a slow burn that starts out interesting from the start and doesn't need much ramping up. The lack of climactic battles (intro excepted) was also refreshing. Still somewhat sad that romance had to be in the cards, but it is well done and not overtly too much. I do hope that's the whole of the conventional romance sub-plots, though. Kudos for the shout-outs to gay and asexual modes - and especially for the subtle, well-done acknowledgement of a gay relationship that was introduced 40 years ago in real time. Also liked that this was an all-star jam of wizards of all kinds. Very satisfying.