Do I need to read the first one to read this one? My library doesn't have the first, so I've not picked up this one despite it being recommended almost daily.
The first book has the characters from the second book play an important role. The second book (Among the Sticks and Bones) is basically the back story to those two characters in the first book. It's something like a prequal. I hope I'm making sense here? Anyway, I don't think you need to read the first book to enjoy this one. It's a self contained novella.
I loved it right up until the ending. I see it worked much better for you, though. But I agree: I would not have picked this up if not for the Hugo voter packet.