This was certainly a wild ride. A bit more heavy-handed than the first and definitely way more political. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of the revolutionary efforts and once again felt like the characters aren't idealistic images to strive for but rather contemplations about these specific characters' behaviour within the conditions the plot confronts them with. And thus also explorations of specific types of theoretic PoVs if their proponents were to end up in this situation. (Looking at you, purely theory-driven type of masc communist who'd throw an angry tantrum if anyone suggests the inclusion of intersectional perspectives.) 

I was definitely taken aback by the not-romance subplot and I still don't know how to feel about it. Even though I have to say,

communism-adjacent revolutionary leader Qin Zheng suggesting "private property" as sexual safe word had me laughing out loud.

Unfortunately, the big revelation at the end felt quite predictable as with the first novel. Nevertheless, so much tension and high-paced fun! I really really hope there's going to be a third book!