If you liked the first, this is basically more of all that made Encyclopedia wonderful. The pacing is a bit more balanced, the characters are just as lovable, and the new setting is a delight. I almost wish there was more exploration of the Alps like there was in the first, but the trade off was a more focused plot while maintaining the cozy charm of a stuffily academic pursuit of nightmare creatures. It’s probably obvious by now I adored it.

The romance elements remain very mild and sweet, more akin to Austen than Maas. This is much more to my liking, but may be a disappointment for others.