I really need to go back and read some of the earlier books again as I've forgotten quite a few things I'm sure are important.

Bring in back and emphasizing the framing device that Vlad is narrating this to a recording device, to the point that interruptions are included, at least Vlad's part of them, was interesting.

Why don't we hear Sethra's side though? Anti recording sorcery, she asked not to be, she was communicating with Vlad telepathically and he didn't realize?