Dives right into the mess left at the end of the first book, but with enough detail that you remember exactly why each of the main characters is in so much trouble. Chakraborty does a good job giving them enough agency to express their wishes, but also hems each in with both internal and external pressures. The big showdown at the end is heavily foreshadowed, but she still finds room for a surprise ending and a huge change going into the third book.