Okay, I'm going to review this twice, once as a sequel and once as a standalone game. Also, minor spoiler alert.
Sequel rating: 2.5 stars. This is a mediocre sequel. It is barely different from the first other than minor changes and new graphics. Different story and some different spells is nice, but all in all it is the same game with a smaller skill tree and some flashy add-ons.
Standalone rating: 4 stars. Great game nonetheless. Adjustable difficulty was a must because the game is just as disappointingly easy as the first one - I had to play at max difficulty after the first few levels to get any fun out of it. I love that maxing skills gives you special bonuses, and I love that you get free respecs. Wish there were more boss fights and more interesting enemies. I get the need for support with premium content but it's a bit lame and just comes off as needy. Best feature = the art. Worst feature = the overall unevolving gameplay.