There was a time when I thought I would not devour books in the same way as I did when I was a kid again... But I don't think that's true for me. It just comes and goes in phases. And, of course, depending on the book. I don't know if it's quite the intensity you're talking about, but for me it's all about feeling pulled into a book so that you can't get it out of your head. Really got into Cold Magic by Kate Elliot recently. You make this book sound really good, maybe I should check it out! Haven't read any of the series, have just seen it in book shops.