As often is the case with trilogies the 2nd book is not as strong as the first. The continuation of the first book is strong and the parralel universe system is well done. It was missing my favourite characters from the first book and is much more focused on the adventures of the 2 main protagonists who I don't fully connect with. It's still good in its own right but for me it's not as strong as the first, hoping the 3rd installment is as good as the first but even if it's the same as this one I won't regret reading them.