You can’t read this book if you have not read volume 1, which I reviewed earlier this month.

In volume 2, the world building is all done and so you mostly get a focus on the plot and characters. There is more action. And a lot more spice! Oh my goodness. *fans self*

The book also avoids, for the most part, the copy editing challenges that plague the first one. There are still errors here and there but they are minimal and do not detract. Book two was a much easier read in some ways. 

On the other hand, parts of it were emotionally devastating. Like I am not ok. I had to go look through the author’s social media to figure out if there is another book coming (there is; phew!)

Titaia and Aife are reunited and their relationship continues to develop. They both evolve and adapt to new contexts. Katrina keeps evolving too. New characters emerge and tertiary characters from volume 1 start to develop (gotta love Angus and how he annoys Aife! 😂)

The action scenes are well-written and satisfying. I felt like I was in the midst of the battles. 

The spice is off the charts in this one. And as much as things progress, there are still plenty of moments of smoldering tension that draw out the anticipation between spicy scenes. Like seriously, 6 out of 5 chili peppers.

Diversity representation remains foregrounded in volume 2, adding age diversity to the gender, sexuality, and body type diversity of the first volume. 

Overall, I really liked this one. The author’s craft is developing. The story progressed beautifully. I look forward to Volume 3!