This book expands on the paranormal world-building of the first book, including some scenes that are wonderfully eerie and atmospheric. It packs some surprises, and explains some character backstories in a satisfying way. For me, it's not as focused or as intense as the first book. That's probably in part because it follows two different main couples, which dilutes out both relationships a little.

There were things I really liked in here. Particularly that the couples and relationships didn't fit cookie-cutter M/M pairings.

Spoiler

You have one guy who is GFY and never quite as comfortable as he would be if his lover was a woman, even as he commits to a man. You have one M2F trans character. You have M/M/M/M sex, and more, that is lovely and believable and does plausible things, both positive and negative, to the couples who come together in it. It all worked for me.

The author took risks with expectations to create a unique story. But Deacon remains the most intense and vivid character in Oestend, and his relationship with Aren the most deeply felt for me, so this story was just a little less involving than the first. Still a fascinating read.