After reading Penric and Desdemona just so I could read this my expectations were high. Penric has evolved quite a bit from the awkward young man who has no idea what he stumbled into. He's now a Learned priest and seems to continue to have a good relationship with Desdemona ... he is now a competent sorcerer despite being so young. This could have ended up quite differently - with Penric turning into a Mary Sue. This was averted by adding new POVs to drive the story.

Just like the first this is a quick, fun read. I love the snarky humor that comes through - and it is not always Desdemona speaking.

Favorite quote
"Yours is no better. A god whose harvest of souls includes all those whose last words were 'Ho lads! Hold my ale and watch this!'"

If you like the [b: Penric and Desdemona|25791216|Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1436108514s/25791216.jpg|45642232], a must read. If you haven't read the first, read that one before although this one could be read as a standalone. Concepts are reexplained - although not in too many words as to offend a reader who already knows.