I'm always hesitant going into sequel novels - so often they don't quite hold up when compared to the first. That was not the case here. I was completely engaged throughout and now really can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Questions I had from the first book are answered, and a whole new part of the universe is opened up. Spensa continues to do a lot of learning and growing in this novel, and I was glad to see she actually puts into practice the lessons she learned previously. It makes her easier and easier to root for.

Readers meet a whole new cast of characters to get attached to, and we get to know a little more about M-Bot and Doomslug. We are also given significant background to help explain WHY the alien forces are so against the human race.

There are fewer fight scenes than in the first book, but the ones that are there are equally exciting. We are left with a big reveal, followed by a cliffhanger at the end, though thankfully not one that left me disappointed. ✨