A good sequel should always pick up where the first book left off, and introduce some new juicy world elements and plots for us to sink our teeth into. This book keeps its classic plot threads, such as:

‣ World's most angsty himbo attempting to subvert destiny and his tense relationship with the woman poking him forward with the plot stick because prophecies are lowkey her hyperfixation ‣ Local furry deep in denial about his connection with the wolves ‣ Mr. "I'm very normal about my cursed knife, thank you very much" being incredibly unwell when aforementioned cursed knife goes missing ‣ Doomed romance between man of questionable mortality and woman at least twenty years his junior

And weaves in new strands, such as:

‣ The long, epic quest of finding the horn that can raise the dead (we know it's fiction because nobody in real life would ever want a trumpet this badly) ‣ Guy who sniffs violence, which really sucks for him considering the number of wars that start in this book alone ‣ A game of social posturing and gossiping that ends so badly that we have to wonder how the country didn't collapse sooner ‣ Portal realms, alternative timelines, and the super hot woman who lives in one of them all alone for some reason (until we bring her back with us to the normal realm. Surely, this action will not have consequences) ‣ Witch lady politicking, going to magic girl school, and women in collars (evil)

Yes, I had a good time. Yes, I am already reading the next book.