Nice second installatment of the series. Duilio and Oriana remain as very appealing protagonists, and the supporting cast is good as well. I like Cheney's depiction of magic and how the Church deals with it, especially that different countries have different rules. With 3 different kind of water-folk one does wonder what other sorts of "magic" beings there are in that world. The plot unfolds nicely, just enough action, and the romance between the Duilio and Oriana continues. Looking for some big societal changes in the third book.