The spy aspects of this book feel very authentic. It has a slow burn to it with aspects of English thrillers, which I enjoy. The relationships between the various spys and the lever pullers above them is a fun aspect as well. The Iranian/Russian/US characteristics make sense as does the overall plot. The ability Dominika has to sense people's emotion and act on that was hokey and I don't recall that from the first book. Other than that, I enjoy the series. It reminds me of the American's TV show, realistic because it is convoluted in ways it should be.