To start off with the good points: just like in The Iron Thorn, you can see how much time and patience must have been placed into the world-building - both within Lovecraft and the outer borders of civilization. Aoife is finally reunited with Conrad (but unfortunately, their relationship hasn't gotten much better) and the two of them, plus Cal (who doesn't get a lot of screen time this novel, unfortunately), Bethina and of course Dean, are on the run after what Aoife's powers have wrought on the city. 
 Now, before I get too far into the review, let me warn you right up front: you thought The Iron Thorn was angsty? This is major A N G S T. I fluctuated every other page from loving Aoife, to hating her, to just feeling sorry that her life turned her into such a moody second-guesser. She's just as brave as in the first installment, but she's gotten totally stubborn and more than a little difficult to work with. Conrad, I'm sorry to say, is pretty much a major jerk for the entirety of the novel, which leads to total sibling head-butting ("I'm the big brother!" "You held a knife against my throat! I think that pretty much negates any big brother responsibilities!"). 
 Since Lovecraft is pretty much a dead zone, we don't get to see much of it until the end. There are new territories to be explored, and the return of a character I must say I'm not too fond of - *organ music* Aoife's dad. 
 ...And his new girlfriend, who isn't much better in my opinion. At this point, I had to stop and say out loud, "Okay - you didn't learn your lesson about non-marital relationships the first time?" But I guess that's just another sign of how dysfunctional the family is. 
 Of course, the book wouldn't be complete without a reappearance of Tremaine - ugh, hate that guy. And there's a surprise twist (!!!) that Aoife has to deal with and reconcile herself to, concerning her mom...that's all I'm going to say. 
 One thing I can tell you: die-hard Dean fangirls? The ending is going to kill you. It's a good thing I'm reading this from a purely fair, unbiased point of view. 
 And now that we've covered the main aspects of the story, let's turn to... 
 Warnings: Aoife and Conrad were born out of wedlock; and considering that their dad has a new girlfriend, doesn't seem like their parents are going to rectify that anytime soon. Dean's in the same boat. Poor kids. As mentioned before, there's also a ton of ANGST and character death and destruction and the like - this is dystopian steampunk. There's also the brief appearance of a female captain that's not exactly...straight, if you know what I mean. 
 Also, a little side-note about Dean and smoking: despite Dean being a character and impervious to death unless his author dispatches him (cruel woman that she is....ahem). Keep that in mind, kids. Don't try it at home. 
 Summing It Up: Major angst. Daddy issues. And a killer ending. Take that as you will.