I welcomed the old characters with open arms and felt a warm sense of nostalgia with the return to Seattle, even if it was only for a short period of time. The developments are getting more intriguing as the war carries on and it was a pure treat to be thrown into a civil war submarine. Andon's developing love interest with Briar and ambiguous old fling with Josephine was a welcome if mild source of tension amongst zombie outbreaks, piratical actions, and avoiding Texan attentions. I find these books quite solid and filling now, and any previous concerns I once had are now pretty much laid to rest. I cannot expect only a few main characters at all, but a great deal of main characters and new ones being introduced with each book. Once my expectations are set, I'm quite happy with what I get to see. 
 The strongest aspects of the books are the immersive qualities of the world we're set in, but the strength of the characterizations are good enough on their own to carry any tale. Great stuff!