I won't say that I like this better than the first one, not because it wasn't properly written or that it lacked something or anything like that but because all the things I dreaded most that would happen, hoping that it wouldn't, had happened in a span of, what, like 50+ concise chapters. 
 A lot of events have unfolded in the sophomore book of the Shiver trilogy. It came in contrast with the serene and laid-back novel that was the humble beginning of this trilogy. Cole's introduction came to me as somewhat abrupt but later on did I find out that his character was essential to the story. A new tandem was also introduced. I can't say I ship them but... I guess it's a little too soon for that. 
 The prospect of Olivia kind of bugged me. She should have been in focus more. It would have been nice to know how she was adjusting to her lupine lifestyle. It would have been nicer if this story involved her more, not to overwhelm or sidetrack the reader but to give the reader a break from the emotional turmoil Sam and Grace had/are become/becoming. Her part in the book could have been a momentary reprieve from that and it would've been nice and I think Ms. Stiefvater would have pulled it off if she did this. But oh well, what's done is done and this idea of mine can now only be deemed producible as fan fiction. 
 All in all, this book wasn't so bad.