"Hallowed" surpassed my expectations. I could not put the book down. I love the backstory that we get and -- unlike what I so often experience when reading trilogies -- it did not feel tacked on. There is an arc to Hand's storytelling that connects the second book with the first in a way that is seamless. I love the way Cynthia Hand continues her theme of destiny and purpose as she continues to explore the very human desire to discover our place. Beautiful book...I loved this one.