This is a solid second entry to the series and well worth a credit and 35 hours of my time. I would not over index on the negative reviews that seem a little xtra IMO unless you are xtreme in your intolerance in your scifi. A gay couple and a shape shifter are pretty normal in scifi.
The biggest open complaint on the book is the fact that the underlying conflict between the two MCs is put on hold while the characters build power and develop. They also both pivot to become less pure characters in their arch-types. The Zach hate seems a bit extreme as well.
On the positive, the series has raised its ceiling on power and expanded the three categories of power. There is a lot of room for growth and challenge for the MCs.
My biggest worry on the series is if book 3 becomes a tourney trope book I will be less excited to continue (but likely have to regardless).