Gigi and Magnus return in this second installment, and while readers have become well acquainted with their love story, the authors also introduce the romance of secondary characters Placidia and Athaulf. Although Placidia and Athaulf's romance was, quite simply, insta-love, I found I didn't mind so much. I could have done without reading so many scenes dedicated to their love story, though.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. I think this was largely due to events that didn't seem to matter all that much, such as Gigi and Magnus' lengthy separation. Plus, there wasn't all that much "I am a strong twenty-first century woman" in this book, at least not until Gigi briefly confronts Honorius later on.
However, I was rather pleased with the ending. Although I do believe there is a third installment due out, the ending of this book would have been a nice overall ending for Gigi and Magnus. Admittedly, however, there are many things left unresolved. By this, I mainly mean Honorius, who remains the despicable pervert and psychopath readers came to hate in the first book.
I suppose a quick death would be too kind to Honorius, who deserves so, so much more for all the rage I accumulated reading about him.
Like the first installment, After the Fall is well-researched. Another enjoyable feature is that the sex scenes are not excessive, and instead the story is focused on actual story-telling rather than smut. So, props to the authors for that.
Fans of time-travel romances should definitely give this series a chance. Especially since most time-travel romances are focused on the Scottish highlands. To me, togas are far more exciting than kilts, but to each their own.