Lots better than the first novel in the series. 
 Things open with a rather weak opening (first 40 pages), but things improve significantly after that. Sunsummoner Alina gets rescued by a pirate and enemy of the Darkling. Now the set out to regroup, train and strengthen themselves for the upcoming fight with the Darkling and his army. 
 On the whole this is the novel where Alina gets to do some cool stuff, take a more active role in things and actually influence the story. Bits and pieces fall into place slowly and the big setup for the third and final novel are made. 
 In all a good novel and a vast character improvement where Alina is concerned.