I liked The Invasion of the Tearling even more than I liked the first installment of the series. Kelsea becomes a more complex character, truly haunted by her past decisions and unsure of what to do with or even how to control some of her newfound powers. 
 However, I found the addition of Lily's story even more compelling. Though there were allusions to "our world" in the first novel, it is fascinating to see how the Tearling came to be and its complicated history through this perspective. 
 Also, this book definitely establishes this as one of the most feminist fantasy novels I have ever read, and I love that. 
 (view spoiler)[ I am predicting that the original settlers actually traveled back in time to establish the Tearling. (hide spoiler)]