This deserves two stars because it was a solid just okay.

This story focused on background characters from Magicians and I looked forward to the change, but nothing was done with the characters to help my investment with them and I found them mostly uninteresting. I had no concern about tension or conflict that was generated here.

One of them is in peril, what will happen!? Meh.

I don't dislike Jimmy, I just don't care for how he was treated by others. A street urchin who showed kindness to royalty is given a free pass on his behavior the entire book. He is applauded by others for not showing respect. He will be curt with a dignitary and others will ruffle his hair and call him a scamp.

A thief with morals can be written well (see: Gentleman Bastard series) or the hardships of court life can be done without being boring (see: FitzChivalry Farseer from Robin Hobb) but Jimmy was just flat.

It wasn't until the three quarter mark of the book where my interest was piqued. Up until then the story wandered and what connection was made to the first book was weak (and still feels a bit underwhelming). The story ended with things on the upswing and I will read the next book and complete the Riftwar Saga but my continuation of the Cycle will depend on how well A Darkness at Sethanon lands with me.