Compared to the first book in the series this is hardly in the same league. The characters were interesting and some of the plot points were interesting but it simply was not as compelling as the first. The author uses the novel as a playground to explore sexuality and gender. This was done in the first book much more elegantly and here it is heavy handed and at times takes over the effort taken to making the plot decent. I wouldn't say you shouldn't read this book, but go into it with lowered expectations versus the impeccable first entry to the series.