This was a great second book. I was a bit taken aback by the big time jump, but once I got into it I could not stop reading.I love how complicated the political situation in Daevabad is, with no clear answers and no obvious good or bad guys. Dara's storyline was a bit sparse and depressing, but I expect a big payoff to that in the finale of the trilogy. Ali and Nahri on the other hand had big storylines full of confusion and compromise, and I loved that. I think there needs to be more fantasy where a bad king is not simply replaced by a good king who can fix all problems because he is good. Daevabad has a deeply violent and divisive history, and I'm glad Chakraborty did not take the easy route in politics. Even Muntadhir is fleshed out more and has his moments of competency and compassion. 
The ending of the book sets up so many new plot-threads, and I for one can't wait to read the Empire of Gold and see them resolved.

2024 reread: This is such an excellent book. I really appreciate that the political situation in Daevabad is truly complicated, with no possible easy answers. Just many factions seeking revenge for historical and present wrongs committed against them. 
I really enjoyed spending more time with Nahri, Muntadhir, Jamshid, and Ali. Dara's chapters were a bit of a downer though, every time. 
I have to say that I cheered in the final scene, when Nahri does the unexpected...