How did I stay away from this series for so long? MY LIFE IS FOREVER CHANGED. The first volume was amazing, absolutely, but the second volume really gets into not only the gravity of our heroes situation, but also their backstories! I have never said "OH MY GOD" or "NO!" so many times and with such conviction as I have while reading this book. The intermittent narration by Hazel is pithy and shows up right where you need it, right where you appreciate it. I am blown away by not just the worlds, the war, the stories, but by how visceral my responses have been whilst reading. It is equally entertaining as it is thought-provoking, and I cannot recommend this series enough.