I confess, I only read this because it promised to be a quick read, the previous one was fairly entertaining. However, I am so glad I did, because I loved this instalment! I think the reduced cast of characters, which were already introduced in the first novella (though this is a prequel), helped focus the story and deepen the investment in the characters and their development. I also really enjoyed the world-building for this one. 

My feelings about the social commentary being forced in the first installment, were completely absent here. The central message about gender roles and expectations and how parents sometimes fail to see their children for who they are was very well done in my opinion.