The writing is better than in the previous book, but there are still lots of problems.

Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor do not talk or react as children would and there seems to be inconsistencies in their characterizations. Some traits are consistent, but others seemingly change at will.

There was an attempt at a plot twist, I think, but I really care so little about these characters that it had no effect on me.

I will finish the trilogy, but wouldn't read anything else by this author.

Three stars mainly because I reserve two stars for books where the writing is just awful. This is passable, but barely.