A bit better than the first, and I liked how it started up exactly where the first book left off. It didn't reintroduce characters, which I like because reintroductions are annoying. 
 But until I reached the last twenty or so pages, I had been wondering when something was going to happen or if the story was just going to drop off into nothingness in preparation for the third installment. Thankfully there is closure right at the end, so keep going even though it seems like nothing is happening. 
 The dramatic parts are still short of exciting. There needs to be more description before, during, and after these events, because at times I was confused at how Stephan would be one place and suddenly another. At other times the action was just too pathetic and I was rolling my eyes instead of craving to read more. 
 So again, decent story, but needs a lot more backbone. The Struggle is a struggle to thoroughly enjoy.