The strong sister bond from the first book is noticeably absent. Zadie takes a backseat while Nor shoulders most of the responsibility. Adriel is a welcome addition, but I preferred the potential with Roan as a love interest. Talin feels flat compared to Roan's wit and charm. Their instant love from the previous book felt rushed and underdeveloped. 

World-building inconsistencies arose, particularly with Nor's sudden witch abilities. The first book's magic and intrigue are diluted in this sequel. I longed for the political complexity and character depth of the original. 

Ceren's survival felt like a cheap plot device. This book could have been a standalone with proper editing and expansion. The series would benefit from condensing the two books into one stronger volume. 

Ultimately, this sequel fails to capture the magic of the first book. Stick with Crown of Coral and Pearl for a more satisfying experience. 

Spoiler:

Ceren survives, kidnaps Zoi, but ultimately dies.