I'm kind of reluctant to review this book because it ends so abruptly and ties in so obviously to the next book in the series (which I just finished), that I don't really understand why this story was split into two books in the first place.

Gun to my head and just viewing this book alone in a vacuum: it's fine. A perfectly serviceable fantasy romp of a group of misfits thrown together on a suicide quest across different locations. Safe and maybe a touch forgettable, but certainly met my expectations. See my review of The Wonder Engine for my full thoughts on this story as a whole.