In this second book of the Darker Shades trilogy, the focus skews a bit more toward Lila Bard, thief, pirate, and one of a kind. However, Kell, our implied asexual from the first book, still plays a large role in the story, again split between several perspectives. Four months after the events of the first book, Lila is out at sea, Kell feels imprisoned in the palace, and life goes on in Arnes. And while Kell's brother Rhy and the kingdom of Arnes prepare for the Element Games, duels between the best magicians in the three countries of this world, Kell is facing problems of his own. Not to mention, things in the different Londons are changing, the balance in the magic shifting. With many twists and turns, this book will have you turning pages and dying for more. Definitely an exciting second book of a trilogy with a powerful ace character, and well worth a read.