After finding the first book a 4, this was a 5 for me. I just thought it explored such interesting themes. Ironically I think for a lot of ppl who thought book 1 was a 5, will find this a 4 because we spend less time with the main MC's. I understand how this would disappoint some people. I just felt like this was a book that engaged my adult brain fully which is what I had been craving in the previous book. A quality series so far.