I left the first book of the Birthmarked series with mixed feelings. I liked the book, I really did, but I found it extremely difficult to get into. The world building was slow, but the book ended with a bang. 
 Now imagine my surprise when book two starts off right where book 1 left off at. That should be a good thing right? Wrong. I'm not exactly sure why, but the author decides to create an entirely new world, new culture, new customs, new way of life. Which is understandable and great, but the same problems that I encountered with book one creep up in book 2 - slow beginning big bang ending. 
 So here I am having just finished book two and wondering "what can I say", and all I can say is this series is good, not amazing, but good. Okay, better than good it's "great" but not wowing, knock your socks off good. 
 Here are some of my problems with the book - 
 Every single solitary character from the first book is completely changed. Not one ounce of personality or character trait is left over from the first book. Yes, characters change but these were completely brand new characters. That made it difficult for me to understand. 
 I really wish the whole elder of the village type concept was explored a little more. I would have liked to know more about the past, how it came about, etc. 
 Overall, I enjoyed the book and will really have to wait till book 3 to make a decision on if this series is amazing or not. Right now, it stands as good, but only if you like "end of the world" type books.