What a great middle book for this series! 

This series holds an amazing balance of darkness but the sarcastic, almost lighthearted tone means that it never feels like a slog to get through. The first book was a lot of set up which meant that this one really had the momentum to be able to take off. The way the characters are developing is subtle but so well done. 

I also think that Abercrombie's descriptions are so immersive, I can so clearly see the atmospheres that he's describing throughout the series, his prose is straightforward but well thought out, and he uses repetition in a really clever way (although I could see how it would get on some people's nerves).

I'm so enjoying this series and can't wait to get to the next book.