I liked the first book but the second one was even better. It actually included some turns I didn't expect and I felt the characters got more complex. At the same time I missed a character from the first book and felt some of the behaviours of a few characters were over the top.
This was a total contrast to the first book, I couldn't put it down! I was so absorbed in the progression of the main character as she learned to use her gift. The bullying did frustrate me as I think the bullies should have had a less easy time getting away with things for so long but I suppose the anger I felt just made the book more engaging. I liked the aspect of Sonea and her mentor's son so I was disappointed that didn't work out.