I enjoyed this so much more than book 1. There was a much stronger plot, stronger characters and several interesting side plots going on. If you have read book 1 an were uncertain about continuing with the series as I was, I recommend that you give book 2 a try. This book has left me wanting to read book 3 an continue the stories. The world building was again phenomenal. Anderson has a talent for it. The only qualm I have was with the dialogue of the females and their overuse of the words "Uh" and "uhm" in almost every sentence. I really wish Anderson would remove them all but maybe a couple.. i think it would strengthen her dialogue and her female characters so much. Currently, with all the uhs and uhms and stuttering, they still come off a little herp-derp. If it weren't for how annoying that was (I am a dialogue reader), then I think I may given this 5 stars. It was so good, I finished it one day.