I bought this and PHB3 at about the same time, and I must say that of all the source material I have purchased for 4th edition, these two books are the most balanced and well thought out since PHB1. Instead of increasing the power of the martial classes, the authors worked hard to produce viable other options for the classes. With the exception of one or two powers, nothing in this book ended up being banned in our games, and I felt like it expanded the experience, rather than upping the ante.

Overall, this is a book for players who want to explore different types of fighter, rogue, ranger, and warlord. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a greater DPR, perhaps you should investigate the Player's Handbook Heroes, or Dragon Magazine.

I actually liked this one a bit more than the initial Martial Power entry, but I can chalk that up more to finding specific builds and options contained inside more interesting on a personal level than the last.

Aside from the inclusion of the usual additional content (build options, feats, paragon paths, epic destinies) I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the Martial Practices, which is an analog to the Rituals contained in the base handbook, but with an availability to all classes.

So why 4 stars and not 5? I'm picky. Simple as that. It was a good book, clearly written, well illustrated as usual and contained everything in it I'd expected and a bit more... but I generally reserve 5 stars for things I consider to be absolute "must haves." It didn't change my life, rearrange my world view, or even significantly alter the way I view gaming. But it was worth every dime I spent on it, and it's certainly made my gameplay more interesting.

WARNING: This review is strictly opinion. Having said that, I should also warn you that I am a serious bibliophile as well as a devout D&D player.

This book has a lot of cool options in it for the martial classes of 4e, most notable being the Marauder Ranger and the Rogue build that essentially turns you INTO a ranger. But seeing as you can get access to all of the 4th edition D&D content through the DDI subscription for $5 a month, I feel that buying this volume is a tad bit redundant. I bought it and loved it for the reasons stated above as well as the fact that I'm the president of a gaming club at my university and I feel that I should supply the members with the required materials for their needs. However, if you don't get the same rush I do from that "New Book Smell," or you simply do not plan on using it, then I'm sure you can find something better to spend your money on.