I think I should start off by saying I didn't expect a re-write of LOTR with gay characters. That aside, for what the subject matter is, I thought the characters were rich (though there could have been a bit more... the book left you wanting more from Remi/Jake and their surrounding friends), the plot was better paced than its predecessor (which I also liked). I think the world the author creates could actually evolve into something like the Sookie Stackhouse novels (but with gay characters...hmmm, if the True Blood series is such a success maybe the author could shop it to LOGO or HereTV? Albeit with better acting than their other offerings... but I digress.)