This second installment in this duology was everything I wanted the first novella to be! I loved it so so so much! The potential I saw in the first installment was fully realized here. 

For one, this sequel slowed down the pace considerably from the first one. It focused more exclusively on two specific time periods, and it made the sequence of events feel more developed and fully explored. Thus, the overall story was more compelling and engaging. 

In addition, Henry Silver was just a far more interesting protagonist. I really like Tobias, but he’s better as a side character/love interest. Tobias was a bit too understated. Silver, on the other hand, is bursting with personality. He’s selfish and a bit full of himself, but still so incredibly relatable! I could definitely understand where he was coming from even if I didn’t agree with his actions. 

I also liked that this sequel really went into a discussion on immortality. It explores how immortality changes you. It poses the real possibility that immortality makes it quite easy to lose yourself and no longer feel connected with what you once thought mattered. All in all? So good. 

Finally, I picked up this second book as an audiobook...and I’m so sad I didn’t read the first one in audio format! I’ve listened to other books narrated by this same audiobook narrator, so I found it really easy to get swept up by his voice. It made the reading aaaaaall the more enjoyable. It lowkey tempts me to reread book one in audio format. 

Ultimately, I’m shook that I ended up liking a sequel more than the first book in a series. That happens very seldom for me, as I tend to prefer the first initial exploration of a world. But still. I’m happy I decided not to give up on this duology.