I recently joined Netgallery.I received an ARC from the publisher.I agree with the above sentiments that this book is not for everyone.I have not read the first book to be honest.The more I started to read the more I enjoyed the book.If you like futuristic books in which there is space travel this book is for you. ( )

I enjoyed this book as much or more than the first one. I read the ARC ebook from Baen. So there are some typos and writing issues. This type of space opera is not for everyone. But coming from the right perspective and in the right mood made me the perfect audience. I enjoyed all the characters from the first book and certain new characters introduced here. The betrayal and changes of loyalty by characters give a small touch of realism to an mostly fantasy story.

A funny issue for me is that I know none of the literary references in the series. I think it is odd because I am 55 years old and have read about a book a week for my whole life. I guess it is a matter of what reading world you live in. I don't know any of the references to character names, except "Journey into the West." So it was tiresome to me with the references to those other stories without any explanation. It only distracted from my enjoyment a little bit.

I loved the world creation of the Arena. I was intrigued and fascinated with the idea of the Arena and the rules and other races. I am even able to put up with the "magical" powers that are somewhat in evidence. Of course the book is written so I can explain the magic, if I choose.

As other reviews say the character development is not at an extreme high level, but most people don't expect that in space opera. For me the character development and explication was sufficient to support the action and plot.

Speaking of action, this is the heart of the book and perhaps at the same time a source of weakness. I very much enjoyed the action and found those parts of the book edge-of-my-seat entertainment. The plot is driven by the dramatic action conflicts that occur in the story and the plot leads directly to the action. My criticism of the action is not any kind of problem for me. In every action scene very lucky and magical events play a role. I thought these features where fine for me. I saw the results I wanted to see in the conflicts and was willing to suspend disbelief every time. But, I could imagine some readers in some moods would not be willing to go along with the fantasy level of the space opera.

I say this is a great book. I think it should be read in order after the original title. There is continuity of characters, locations, rules and situations, that make pre-knowledge useful for a reader. This book requires a level of suspension of disbelief that means people need to enjoy space opera and are in the right mood to be able to enjoy it. People should pick up this book and prepare for a roller coaster of fun. ( )