This second book was better than the first...I'd like to give it a 3.5. I think partially I was getting more used to the style of writing and strange, drifting, dialogue. But honestly the story started coming together more as well. I've never read a "duet" before and it has it's own special aspects I think, like how the second book in a trilogy tends to be a placeholder. In any case, there were some really interesting details - specifically I was really impressed with the transformation of Nown from a sandman to a glassman in the fire and the idea/characteristics of a Master dream. I also liked the conclusion of the Place being a "Now" and the connected of Laura's son's life to the communication by dreams. It is strange to me that no one else noticed the connections before, but maybe just everyone's different viewpoints, etc. made it hard to put pieces together. I feel like the end was a little too perfect - I mean I'm glad Sandy didn't die and I agree with the theme that fate does not exist/infallibly predict - but to have Rose marry Laura's son from the future? That seemed odd to me. And in general I think the end just wrapped up a little too quickly. It felt rushed. Plus, I really don't understand what happened to Nown. Lastly, I think the biggest issue is the base plot is just too nebulous. What the heck was Cas Doran's eventual goal? What was he fighting for and why was he putting out all that effort for it? What was he dousing people with "Contentment" for - what was his aim? Also, I agree hard labor is not an appropriate punishment and that prison systems, especially here in the US, are abused as far as power structures are concerned, but I just felt that there is missing connective tissue between that situation and the rest of the story. Just....something wasn't completely fleshed out. But all in all, very creative story. And I did enjoy the read.