Just finished the second night lords book. Here is a spoiler filled review.

The book overall had more violence and torture than the first which was a good sign. I wouldn't say any part of the book was written badly, however it did shift between decent writing and good quality writing. Honestly I liked the opening and the middle far more than the third half of the book. Third half is still good, I just felt more connection to the parts preceding it.

I liked how they showed visions of what Uzas was like before he went mad. It was also kind of hilarious to see the guy who kills people on the regular wonder where he was going to get red paint from.

It felt unfair to kill Nonus in the very first book he appeared in.

The introduction of Variel was very good. it made you think this guy is clearly evil then you got confused why Talos trusts him and then you are like, oh yeah, our protagonists are clearly evil too. Like the author put in that scene specifically to remind us that our guys aren't the good guys which one tends to forget even though they are skinning people and wearing their skulls.

Very surprising how much shit the Night Lords were willing to put up with when it came to Octavia.

Septimus finally developing an independent identity greater than just a slave. It was horrible to know how he went about kidnapping pregnant women for his masters.

The attack on the fortress was cool but not the highlight of the story.

The highlight was the bit where Talos has a vision of his childhood and his mother crying over him. That scene had all the deep feels that you wouldn't expect from a book about demon possessed torture loving sci fi supersoldiers. Honestly the only bit in the book that made me feel real feels.

The twist about Malcharion still being kept alive was really good. Feels bad for the dude, he has just wanted to die for thousands of years now.

Hound was cool. Good human character growth and death done right.

The battle where they took back the second ship was more fun than the chapters about the attack on the fortress monastary.

And as always, the Exalted getting BTFO two books in a row with all the "Frick you Megatron!", screamed Starscream energy.

Rating - 8.5 out of 10. 1.5 points lost because while some portions are enjoyable reading they are not exciting to read. There is a noticeable disbalance in the quality of writing still.

Final verdict - would absolutely recommend. Especially for Talos visions, 10th claw laughing at being told to fight fairly, and Variel giving good mad doctor horror energy. Couldn't believe Talos could see anything trustworthy in him yet it worked out.