The main character, or perhaps the author, seems to think that ‘heroes always win’ was the most interesting part of the 1st book and that subverting it is, well, subversive. The 2nd book is good but it feels like more of the same, not subversive. Everything you like about the first book is back but on second reading it’s comfortable rather than fresh. (2 exceptions: the first chapter was solid and the last hour or so had a lot of originality.) Also, the author must have gotten positive feedback about the Shadow Master’s rants because these were amped up to a silly degree. Villains Pride is still an enjoyable book that I’d recommend to fans of the first. It also helps that it’s short so it doesn’t wear out its welcome.