This was loads better than the first. Seeing Alina come into her own as a leader, own her power and the command it gives her but still struggle with inexperience, never quite knowing who to trust, was very well written. She grew, still had her insecurities, but wasn't the mess that she was in book 1. Also, the fear of how her power would corrupt her was very intriguing. 
 I understood why Mal felt the way he did but it was still hard not to resent him for holding Alina back. I felt sorry for him but he really impeded her progress. I really loved her taking charge, wanted the struggles of seizing and maintaining power explored but that was eclipsed by her troubled relationship with Mal. 
 And, oh my God, what a treat Nickolai was! I loved every one of his dialogues and his presence definitely charms the reader. I wish there were stories centered around him and his adventures alone. I would read every single one. 
 I really missed the Darkling though.