It feels like a different story entirely from the first book. Other than the characters’ names, you could say this was the first book of the series and I’d believe you. 
The tone/writing of this book is so different from the first one. It’s way less British, more politically correct (which doesn’t make any sense for a sheltered, rich noble, and only serves as a way to make Lam not seem like a bigot). 
A lot of info-dumping, too. There was a character backstory dump, like, every other chapter. 
The good thing is, even though the story picks up immediately after the first book, Lam provides a lot of refreshers (names, events, relationships).
A lot more spelling/grammar mistakes. Jesus Christ, the author uses the phrases “his/her eyes wide and dark” TOO MANY TIMES!
The story really picks up at the end; the rest is kind of slow. I like the mythology element and the incorporation of Anisa’s visions.