An excellent sequel to a solid debut.

I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I enjoyed this one more. It felt more assured, more at home in its groove, and I'll even forgive the crack about English pizza.

Yes, you can just read Matt Rossi's books for geek points, spotting all the references and patting yourself on the back, and there's some degree of fun in that… but what actually engaged me was the depth and development of the characters.

I'm sure that every reader will have their own favourite, but for me it's Bry. Her determination, her stolid loyalty… I've not read many authors (male or otherwise) who can get inside of a 12 year old girl's head that recognisably, but Rossi does it with aplomb.

I like that no character is utterly good (or utterly bad). I like that each of them is given room to grow and learn and change. I love that the various non-heterosexual relationships are just there and normal and not for titillation or brownie points.

The plot is intricate and loads of fun; the ending is satisfying, and all in all I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to most people. The only caveat I have is the occasional episodes of somewhat explicit sex might make it unsuitable for younger readers (I'd be ok with my 14 year old reading it, but she'd go EWWW in places)