Much better than the first book. The author seems to be stepping out more on her own rather than rearranging Tolkien's work and words. (Though there are still some direct references.)

The MC finally gets some autonomy in this one, which I was glad of; she's much less annoying now. Gandalf did a Gandalf. Found Sauron lite.

I think the worst part of the book was the MC's very weird sexual awakening for the entity that kidnaps her. I'll say no more because spoilers, but really. The next book better have a good explanation for that, because right now I see no point for it other than to direct the MC's desire away from a not-dead character for drama's sake.