Sequels / middle entries in a trilogy are not always the best. And this book certainly lives up to that. It expands heavily on the worldbuilding but fails in the 'introducing new characters' department. The last book had side characters but they were more passive, allowing the big personalities and interactions between Emily and Wendell to shine. But in this book two new side characters are given a much more active role, to the detriment of the book itself.

Dr. Rose and Adeline, a 'fellow' professor and Emily's neice are thrown into the fray, going to Germany with Emily and Wendell. To say that Rose is unbearable is an understatement, & Adeline fills the role of annoying younger sidekick to a T. Their inclusion bogs down the beginning and middle of the book. With things only beginning to pick up after both characters take a backseat to Emily's quest.

The last 3rd of this book is wild. So it almost makes suffering through the first 2/3rds worth it. By the end I couldn't help but wonder where things are going after this. There's no more big bad, and the main characters are happily together. I'll still be reading the 3rd Book, but I'm going into it with a bit of skepticism