I think every story has its own "flavor." Shadows is very action-based. Irony with the first-person POV was a bit of an experiment, and I'm still not sure I even like Mangled Spells. However, this universe was born in exposition, and this first story will definitely go to the end still exposition heavy. I'm not sure if I want to do that with the slashy sequel, but we'll see when I get there. Do I take it that you would prefer something with more action?