This second installment was better than the first one. The writing style improved, new characters were introduced (yes Nikolai, I'm talking about you ) and new challenges and ordeals they had to face. The only thing that bothered me was the endless Alina-Mal's drama... I don't like Mal, he's a flat character, he annoys me and he holds always her back... So frustrating! Alina has so much potential but, with him, all of this vanish. If it weren't for Nikolai or The Darkling to cheer me up (God bless them), it would have been a painful read. 
 "Why won't you leave me alone?" I whispered one night as he hovered behind me while I tried to work at my desk. Long minutes passed. I didn't think he would answer. I even had time to hope he might have gone, until I feel his hand on my shoulder. "Then I'd be alone, too" he said, and he stayed the whole night through, till the lamps burned down to nothing. 
 Tell me what you want, but I LOVE The Darkling so freaking much! My precious little villain 
 I already know I'm going to suffer in the last book.