This sequel to The Magicians was even better than the first book. I loved how Julia's back story (a minor character from the first book) was interspersed through the main narrative. I loved how Josh came into his own and how Quentin continued to grow -- still whiny & self-centered, but somewhat less so. Grossman has nailed the fantasy-novels-for-adults-who-enjoy[ed]-juvenile-fantasy-novels genre. What I didn't totally love was the ending, but hopefully Grossman will remedy that with a third installment.