Book 2 is really consistent to the quality of book 1. The same well developed, nuanced characters can be found here, in a direct continuation of the plot which remains as tense as before. Things feel even darker as the continuing war with the Mountain Clan escalates, which drives the Kauls to harsher, sometimes more desperate action; still rarely open violence and mostly simmering under the surface in backdoor dealings. Fonda Lee really captures the feel and creeping pressure of asian cinema’s triad/mafia movies, with sharp scenes of sometimes frightening and horrifying violence punctuating the long patient maneuverings. 

We get more exposure to lands outside Kekon too, mostly from Anden’s perspective; he and Shae have more to do in this one and go on realistic and engaging character arcs as they’re driven further into their metaphorical corners. Hilo shows some new, visceral sides of himself as well, completely in line with who he was in the first book but taken to new extremes. 

I tore through the whole thing pretty fast and thought it was fantastic. If you enjoyed book one you’ll probably like this one too.