The action really picks up in this second book, and there's none of that lagging-middle-book syndrome so common in trilogies. I read this book all in one sitting; I was completely unable to put it down for a second! So many questions in this book that need to be answered, mysteries to be illuminated, bad guys to take down, and naturally, romance around every corner.

This time the setting is the dirty streets of New York in the 1980s. Wes and Lydia fall in with some homeless kids who are stealing and partying, and of course, running from both cops and government agents alike. The Montauk Project is a formidable foe, and the characters have to use all their brains and resources to stay one step ahead.

Lydia is a bit less innocent, a bit wiser, and definitely smarter in this book. She's tougher, but manages to keep her good heart, her kindness and compassion, and especially her fierce spirit. Her insatiable curiosity is tempered with some caution now, but she's also taking risks in other areas of her life, most notably in her relationship with Wes.

Wes is still such an enigma. I love the depth of his character! He relies on Lydia's blazing hopefulness as the counterpoint to his own cynicism. It was wonderful seeing him finally allow himself to relax a little and feel something, instead of keeping himself so closed off all the time. But still... there's so much delicious mystery surrounding him! I adore him!

I loved the new characters, LJ, Nikki, and Tag. They weren't just faceless homeless kids who filled a place in the plot; they were well-rounded personalities that leapt off the page and into my heart! Wonderful writing!

The pacing is perfect, the writing gives Lydia her own voice, and the character development is fantastic! I'm going to dive into the third book immediately! Love love love this trilogy!