This was good, but not as good as the first book. That first one was unputdownable for me, and I tore through it super quickly! With this one, I was able to take my time. Part of it was the three perspectives - they were all interesting in their own way, but switching between them just wasn't as compelling as following one Vis the whole time in book 1. I was most interested in Res, since we already knew that world and characters, and was a little disappointed we didn't get to spend more time with his friends and other characters like Ulcisor and Lanistia. It also had the chariot race, which felt very book 1. On the other hand, Aequa's ending absolutely crushed me! (No pun intended). I thought she was the most interesting character by far, and am sad that she's gone. Though I have a feeling we might see her again - What was she doing with Veridius while Vis was knocked out for a couple of days?

I was less interested in Luceum. We got a whole new world and friend group, but I didn't have enough time to really get to know the friends or care about them. But it was still interesting. Like a fantasy Viking camp!

And then I had the most trouble with Obiteum. Some interesting stuff happened! But it's a lot of walking around an unfriendly city with mostly inuctii.

Overall, I liked it. But the pacing and the new locations didn't always hit.