This book cleared up all the little issues I had with the first book. Namely, how can you just love someone who was directly responsible for the death of your mother and indirectly responsible for the death of your brother. The end of the last book made it look as though it was all water under the bridge and I can tell you that just ain't gonna happen. 
 I thought this book was a lot more mature in regards to the romantic aspect of the plot but also in regards to the politics. Things are never simple and as Kaede said, there is no such thing as a utopia. 
 There are so many little twists that throw me off kilter just when I've got my bearings again, for example, the ending. If you haven't read the book, read it simply for the last plot twist to kick your arse. It is not good. SCREW YOU MARY LU