The best volume out of the series. Here, tensions run high and the characters actually have some semblance of personality (outside of Amir and Parvati because they’re still goody two shoes cardboard cutouts). Dialogue can still be stilted, at times. 

Neo’s struggle with anger (and we see true wrath, murderous rage) is interesting and takes a considerable portion of the story. I liked reading it though it isn't resolved in this volume. Wallace’s backstory with his daughter Alice was also very interesting and surprised me.

Overall, once the story put aside introducing characters, the narrative could become engaging.