This was a great continuation of the series. It has a slightly different tone, because we are not dealing with an innocent girl here, but with a warrior and a hunter. I have to admit that I quite like this turn of events. The author has created an amazing character evolution throughout the first book until here.
Mercy is on a mission and no one can stop her. Someone is killing innocent people and she will not stop until she finds whoever is responsible. Her attitude and sometimes reckless actions put her in all kinds of perilous situations, but she persists like a woman possessed. And naturally, this creates a lot of friction with Caleb. Caleb can't help himself, constantly trying to assert dominance and tame Mercy. Poor soul, he is not making his life any easier, or Mercy any softer towards him or more subdued. It is obvious, now more than ever, that his intentions are good but he has trouble moving away from his antiquated ideas, or accepting that this Mercy was born several centuries later and is way more emancipated than her original self. And there is jealousy. Because Dorian is amazing. Although, Caleb is growing and evolving and the friction is lessening, as he is becoming more accepting of Mercy. However, Mercy is an incredibly complex character and some of her actions result from profound pain and guilt she carries, and sort of a need for atonement.
There is an array of interesting characters in this book. The author did a great job developing them and creating an interesting world for them. The world expands, now that the mystery of the other is gone and it moves almost completely in that direction. The focus of the plot shifts focus between solving the mystery and figuring out Mercy's abilities, as there is still the issue of controlling her amazing growing powers that she needs to deal with.
The plot is complex, so much happens in this book, even more than in a previous book, and mostly because Mercy is ridden with guilt and often incapable of hurting those who deserve it, so they keeping coming back for revenge. There are resolutions and answers. Some of the biggest mysteries do get resolved, but the author did not disappoint with yet another shocking ending. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Books make most sense when read in order. The reading order is The Dark Awakening (The Chosen Coven Book 1), The Dark Underworld (The Chosen Coven #2), and The Dark Deliverance (The Chosen Coven Book 3) coming soon.