book 1 started slowly but once Oren got started as the leader it picked up quickly. I laughed through 3/4 of the story enjoying it thourouly. especially after being tortured he became the real dread totem. this book is just a beefed up replay of his mistakes with a few likeable characters thrown in to sweeten the plot. hopefully book 3 goes back to the half comedy half tragedy with plenty of violence that book 1 had going.