I don't remember what I rated the last book but this one was better. And having read this I see clearer how the previous one was set up for this one. And both mimic in a way the first two books of the Black Jewels series. But they are still different enough without seeming like carbon copies or like the author is beating a dead horse by having similar themes. 

Where the previous book dealt with acknowledging and dealing with a corruption in society, this one focuses on young men and women coming together in a school like setting to figure themselves out. There are other themes and plot lines as well. I really liked how everything with Saetien was written. I admit to having conflicting feelings about her character before.  Possibly because there has been bigger evil and maliciousness with intent in this series. 

The plotline with the group at the Hall with Daemon was great. We didn't get this much detail in the original trilogy of how the First Circle formed and how they dealt with each other daily and I always regretted that. This is not the same though, these young people are not as are of themselves, not as strong, and not under the pressure to save the world basically. They are not all friends, so different dynamics. 

Butler was a surprise. As was Wilhemina. One I wound up enjoying. And the plotline with Jillian was hilarious. I'm glad because that could have been a mess. I went into this expecting nostalgia to carry it for me like the previous book did to an extent. But the plot showed more purpose than rehashing the past. And similar to other offshoot of the original trilogy we get to see outsiders perspectives on what happened before during and after the war, but this time in Khaeleer. As always I love the characters and themes explored in this book. Will there be another? Probably. I need to cry over Sadi, so there better be.