I suspect you may not like The Virtu, just from other people's comments! It sounds like Felix is even more of a right bastard and Mildmay continues to be beaten up by fate, according to rachelmanija's write-up.

The moment I gave up on the book to return to the library was when Dreadful Depressing Thing first happens to Mildmay, because I liked him and didn't want him dragged through muck and horror.

I didn't mind the latter bits as much, despite the trauma to Mildmay, but I think at that point, I'd reconciled myself to Mildmay!pain. Also, I have the past inspiration of Fitz from Robin Hobb's books, and so far, Mildmay's situation hasn't gotten quite that bad.... *fingers crossed*