This installment of the Cradle series does a great job both expanding on what we learned about the world in book 1 AND turning it all on its head. I was agog along with the main character as more information was revealed.
Soulsmith also features the addition of some excellent new characters (and way more Yerin, who appeared late in Unsouled). I’m especially fond of Eithan, who is delightful and terrifying.