I’ll be honest it follows roughly the same formula as the previous book. That does not make it an inherently bad book. Without spoilers I will say that I think the tension and more importantly the challenge has been escalated, while the villains are much more relatable and Gray I think the story itself has evolved well. After all real life doesn’t have many black-and-white situations like the total p**** that was Lucas.
Spoilers after this point, I see 2 things going forward with that sting at the end and let me just say that while I trust you to give him a good ending I will be still upset if the indicated endings for Vincent happen, Like, I even get that they will be narratively satisfying but it’s gonna hurt man. Being entirely honest I eagerly await the 3rd book even if the ending is going to be it sad as I think it will be.