I think I'm in the minority, but I actually loved the first book from Wren's POV.

This one felt a little short to me in terms of rebuilding the trust lost in Stolen Heir, but (of course, just like everyone else has mentioned) the heavy dose of Jude and Cardan made up for a lot of the shortcomings in the book.

I think the politics and betrayals were fascinating and well thought out. The plot itself was really intriguing, but the pacing and (as mentioned before) the relationship development wasn't as strong as it was in the first book.

Wren just kind of eventually gives up being mad? Oak doesn't really do anything to deserve it her forgiveness. But on the flip side, he also just never stays mad at her even though what she did to him in retaliation was brutal? They both just kind of get over it? I don't know, it felt kind of loose.

Even after learning Wren's motivations for the big political upheaval, it still felt like there were decisions that she made that weren't explained. The chemistry and tension between Oak and Wren was definitely more palpable in the Stolen Heir.

The pacing was tough. It draaaaagged in the first half, and then the last quarter things were happening so fast it was almost confusing. It felt like the characters were making plot essential decisions before they knew what they were doing.  

10/10 Jude and Cardan teaser though.