So it seems that, once again, the second half of the second book in a romantasy series is where things really start to get interesting. More action, more feelings, more characterisation and, of course, more spice. I finally felt like the series was starting to give me what I've been hoping for, but at the same time it's still missing something to really launch it into the stratosphere.

Once again, I feel like Casteel really carries this book. I can see the logic in every action he takes, the feeling behind every decision and the meaning behind every word he speaks. Which I find a little odd considering the story is being told from Poppy's POV and clearly, for quite a chunk of this she still doesn't! It has taken me until this book to recognise that, due to her sheltered upbringing, certain cues that would be evident to a worldly person do pass her by and so I can, to some extent, finally accept her confusion, reticence to accept Casteel as telling the truth and general stubbornness as being down to this lack of awareness. But it's still frustrating! Especially when you have a promise of being 'real' and she's still being obtuse about what that might actually mean for him. 

However, the moments of proper talking and intimacy between Cas and Poppy are beautifully done, and give me all the feels I could hope for. While I do love my worldbuilding and for a story to be set on a solid foundation of plot, action and character, it's these moments that make or break it for me. As I said in my review of part one, it's often the quieter moments like these heartfelt conversations and relationship building that make a book my favourite in a series once I've had a chance to digest. So I guess we'll see when I finish the series. But everything from the horseriding lessons to the the cavern to the carriage just has me rooting for them as a pair, even if I'm not so keen on Poppy as an individual.

I'm certainly intrigued by the development in Poppy's abilities and what they could signify. The slow build of these changes has been very well woven into the story, and the more dramatic shifts leave a tantalising hint of what might be to come. But I'm equally at a bit of a loss due to the sheer number of seemingly conflicting theories contained within the narrative. I get that the author is laying the foundations of a mystery that I'm sure will be resolved as the series progresses, but there's almost too many ideas being thrown at the reader for me to keep track!

I also get the feeling my gut reaction about some of the secondary characters is going to prove right, especially given the events of the last few chapters. While that would mean that the writing has done it's job really well in giving the reader an uncomfortable feeling despite the seemingly positive roles played by the characters in question, it would almost be a disappointment that any such change doesn't come as a complete surprise. Again, I will just have to keep reading and find out!

I've heard good things about book 3, and I'm definitely invested enough to continue with the series. Just like Poppy, I have a lot of questions! But I am going to wait until both halves of the GA are out to pick it up, so for now, it's to be continued...