This is one of my favorites. Reminds me of well written Japanese juvenile fantasy (sometimes called "light fantay").
Seregil is a spy/thief and gathers information for the Queen. He is thrown in a dungeon and meets a boy named Alec and takes him as an apprentice. On his activity, he is cursed by magic and loses his sanity. Alec takes him to Nysander, Seregil's friend and mentor... This story revolves around Seregil, Alec and Nysander. Characterization is well enough, and the story is interesting so that you can read it one sitting. Some witty exchange might be a nuisance for some but it doesn't harm the story. Fast paced, action filled adventure.

This time, Seregil, Alec and Nysander must prevent the revival of ancient Evil (don't they all...?) And Seregil must pay a high price in the end... Follow-up of the first volume. Fast paced action and plot are still there. Emotional description and characterization are farther developed.
(If you are against homosexual relations, avoid this entire series... although 1st volume is OK and 2nd is safe enough...)

This story starts after the event of 2nd volume. Not directory related to the previous volumes, this is a sort of stand-alone follow-up. But you need to read 1st and 2nd volumes to understand the relations. (Anti-homosexual should avoid this title.)
Seregil had been an exile for a long long time but now, he must return to his birthplace for an important mission.