I've yet to be wowed by this series. The first book felt like a lot of foundations and character set-up, and while this book has some fun challenges and heartwarming moments, it doesn't feel like it's gone far enough yet; it still strikes me as setting up the mood and the limitations of magic in this world.

I appreciate how the pirate problem is a direct consequence of the earthquake problem from the first book, and I'm starting to see how each installation is subtly personalized for its titular character. But the whole Aymery situation fell a little flat for me. He seemed suspicious immediately, and while this could mean that his betrayal was properly foreshadowed, I was caught off-guard by Tris's intense reaction. Briar was so concerned about how she would take the news, and that was the first I'd heard about her actually warming up to her cousin. It felt like there was a jump from Tris being snippy with Aymery to her mourning his loss. I thought that it might be a situation of mourning what could have been, but I didn't find enough evidence in the text to support this reading.

As a result, the emotional climax in this book didn't sit well with me, though I still love the dynamic between the main four children and their mentors. I like the inclusion of animal companions, such as Little Bear and Shriek, and I plan to keep going with this series, even if I don't feel an intense desire to know what happens next. I am just sailing along pleasantly from book to book, and I hope that I enjoy the full ride.