This was a re-read for me; I bought this book (with its prequel) many years ago, though I hadn't picked up the third in the series. When I saw the omnibus, I thought I would get it, to sort of complete the set (which is what I read and reviewed, while attempting to avoid spoilers).

This book read a lot more smoothly than the first book, especially the first half. The second half got a bit jumpy again, but not so badly that I focused on the writing more than the story. I think the plotting is alright, but the writing could still use more polishing. The device of an unnamed villain (in both 'The Glass Dragon' and 'The Perfect Princess'; but it took me a while to work out if they were different characters in each) telling us their plans at the end of every few chapters seemed awkward to me. Although this unknown was obviously plotting against Jaylor and his allies, it was confusing to suddenly have these asides which didn't really fit into or advance the story.

The narrative begins where the first story ended: the prince has been rescued and must now prove himself worthy of the throne while the enemy seeks to undermine the foundations of the kingdom.

This time, the story focuses on events around the prince, although Jaylor is still an integral part of them. The 'Perfect Princess' refers to the princess Rossemikka, whom the neighbouring country of Rossemeyer want to marry the prince, in a bid to make an alliance for peace. At the same time that the prince is fighting for his throne politically, the magic that underpins the kingdom is dissolving. The handful of magicians that are left have to adapt and struggle to use their magic for the good of the country in the face of increasing suspicion, planted by the enemy, from the Council, who are supposed to support the king.

Because this is an improvement over the first book, I'll give it 3 stars.

ETA: I'm thinking of moving this book off my shelves, but the illustration is so pretty. Kudos to cover artist John Howe

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