@TheAverageFan The story is not about the main pov, requiring the main pov to have more going on (because otherwise he would be a passive observer), which in turn is directing focus away from who the story is about.

I'm pretty sure I have the issue handled - it's just a delicate balance between giving the pov enough subplot material to give him something to do, but not enough to outweigh what the main character is doing.

~TGRF.

I'm very interested to see this Utgar sequel, especially since it must've had some time to develop at least on the back burner between the first entry and now.

I'm curious what a lack of direction is. Is there too much going on in different directions or is the pace just slow?

~TAF