Having adored its predecessor, my expectations were much higher for Arm of the Sphinx, and Bancroft does not disappoint.

The story shifts slightly in style as Senlin's situation changes. Rather than focusing on him entirely, the story is split between the perspectives of Senlin and his companions and they sail the skies, circling the tower in his continuing quest to find his lost wife. In some ways that omniscient view into the thoughts of multiple characters is disorienting at first, but as the narrative settles into it that approach allows the author to more intimately explore the group dynamics of Senlin and his crew.

In many ways, while the first story is mostly about the tower as an obstacle, the second piece focuses upon Senlin himself, both in his virtue and vanity. The locations are no less intriguing, but more time is spent in tighter quarters: upon their airship, and in only a few rooms of their landings elsewhere. It trades broader tourism for a more character focused narrative, but it remains compelling.

As a fan of epigraphs, I loved Bancroft's use of them here. The "Unlikable Alphabet" and other volumes quoted at the head of each chapter were mostly brief delights expounding upon the attitudes and culture of the world, but a few became powerful tools for driving home the events of the chapters.

If there's a drawback to be considered, it's that this book feels very much like a bridge. The events drive us from point A to point B, focus mostly upon character arcs, and don't really evidence much progress in the quest laid out at the end of the first volume. I mention it because I can imagine it as a frustration for some, but personally I feel that the transition in Senlin's character is more deserving of focus than a frustrated exploration of a few additional ringdoms could have been.

It almost feels unnecessary to review this book. If you have read the first, you'll be compelled to seek more, and if you haven't, then you should start there regardless. If you worried The Books of Babel might lose steam, I promise there are entire ringdoms dedicated to making sure that never happens.