I appear to be a bit of a black sheep when it comes to THE PERILOUS SEA. I really enjoyed THE BURNING SKY but I wasn't too impressed with its sequel. It probably wasn't the best book to pick up after HEIR OF FIRE, either, since I loved that one so much. 
 It's been awhile since I read the first book and was hoping for a small recap but instead we are thrown into somewhat of a mysterious situation: the characters have a sort of amnesia and have forgotten almost everything about themselves, including their name. Needless to say, I was a bit frustrated, especially after I expected familiarity and just ended up more confused. 
 Another thing that bothered me with this amnesia plot: (view spoiler)[Both Titus and Iolanthe can't even remember their own names much less recognize each other but still manage to fall in love again? In less than two days? I get that they might know each other on a deeper level but the situation was way too insta-love for me. (hide spoiler)] 
 This style of narration, jumping from the past to the present every other chapter, is not for everyone. While I liked that the author took a different approach and tried something new,I almost wish the story had been told like THE BURNING SKY was. Although, this is a personal preference. 
 Those who like twists and turns will love the unpredictability of this installment; when you think you know something, the situation changes completely. I think I would have enjoyed this more if the twists and turns had been less complicated, even the characters admit some things are confusing-sometimes even paradoxical. If you're like me and get caught up on little details and try to put everything together and make sense of it you might not be able to enjoy the actual story as much. 
 It may seem like I really disliked THE PERILOUS SEA but I did enjoy it, most of the elements I liked from THE BURNING SKY came back, and there was more magic, more badassery, and pretty good character development. I just can't help but be weighed down a bit by the rest.