Better than the first book.

The premise and setting are compelling, so even though I found the first book severely lackluster, I listened to the 2nd. There are more real challenges, and some of them aren’t instantly and inexplicably resolved without effort from the main character. Overall, the failings of the first book still exist but take a back seat to what is otherwise a good story. The author refrains from describing everything as being “perfect”, but there is still a little of that.

Really, I can’t put a finger on why I liked this book. There isn’t really an aspect of struggle in the plot, and all the problems the characters face largely resolve themselves. It isn’t a good story, from a literary sense, as it lacks most of the features that make up a plot. However, I still find it enjoyable. It’s enough of a mystery, in that regard, that I’m willing to give the 3rd book a listen.