I imagine this book was divisive for a lot of fans for a lot of reasons. Some might take the intentional mockery of different religions and mythology and media as a personal offense, but it makes sense on the context of the world.
The production value has clearly increased. I imagine that some people might find the new filter over “message” lines a little off-putting and I get that, but I like that the art form is progressing.
The Royal Court never gets a break and that is a good and bad thing. I love how these characters have been clearly changed by their time in the dungeon. As Carl himself points out, no one still alive at this point is anything less than a hardened warrior. There no fools left on the 8th floor and the deck is stacked against them. Of course as things progress, everything gets more and more deadly, leading to a very grim book. There is a lot less funny bits from characters, and instead far more heart-wrenching moments. It makes sense with the rising stakes, but when compared to the first book the difference is clear. Given that this is our only floor between the bloody sixth floor and the ninth, I was expecting something of a breather book. That is not what happened.
The gimmick of this floor is both fun and annoying. I say that as a fan of Yugioh and that one Hunter X Hunter arc. The different cards were hilarious, but often felt like so much potential for Dues Ex Machina that won’t be back in the next book. Considering how well this series builds on itself, I found that disappointing. Maybe I’m being a little alarmist, but it kinda annoyed me. It did lead to some truly excellent moments though.
I binged all six books in less than two weeks. I love the series and will screaming it’s praises at every opportunity.