Great book. I’m just not a fan of Grace though ( )

Rare occurrence of when book 2 is actually a little better than book 1. Usually with series, I am all in on book 1, book 2 drags, and by the middle of book 3, I give up. When I finished book 2 this morning, I wanted to start reading book 3 immediately, but I didn't have it. Overdrive did, so I requested a hold for it, and it came through a couple of hours later. I know my plans tonight... ( )

I liked the story in this book, but unfortunately, that seems like it could have been told in about 100 pages. The other 200 pages put you inside the head of someone with a very tenuous grip on reality, and it got extremely tedious reading about how the character was broken, how no one could ever put her back together, how she had been lied to, how the world was turned upside down, and similar sentiments expressed ad nauseam. Over the course of one chapter, the main character manages to feel helpless, broken, alone, crazy (multiple times), "partially insane," treated like a child, panic, and numbness. Every chapter in the book feels like it's trying to run on high adrenaline and not much plot, and unfortunately, the story suffers for it. ( )

This book is the second title in the Embassy Row series. I would recommend reading the first one because this one picks up right where the first book ended. This book is supposed to be a darker thriller compared to some of the other books this author has written. There was a bit of a romance in the first book, but this book focuses on a drama a bit more. Grace is reeling from the first book and she has dark and depressing thoughts. She is feeling betrayed because of all the unexpected truths she has realized about her life. Her mental state is fragile and some readers might get tired by some of the internal monologue. This book had some cute moments between Grace and Alexei. There was more backstory built around the country of Adria. The author spends a little bit more time world building in this book. The reader gets a taste of what is outside of Embassy Row. There is a lot of fast paced actions as Grace races to uncover more secrets. There are murders, secret societies, explosions, treasure and cute boys who may or may not be fugitives.

This book is another cliffhanger for book 3 in the series. This is not a standalone book. You really need to read them in order. The cover is beautifully designed for a thriller. If you have Ally Carter fans in your library, then this is a good purchase. Make sure you get all three books! It would make for a fun book display and a good free reading choice. There are lots of twists and turns in the overall story arc. If you have ever entertained thoughts of a diplomatic career, this fictional world is for you. There is nothing really inappropriate in this book, so it could be a good middle grade series choice as well. ( )

This second Embassy Row novel has Grace trying to cope with her new knowledge and old guilt. Her brother Jamie comes to Adria on a break from West Point because he's so worried about her. He brings along a fellow classmate - John Spencer - who has reasons of his own for wanting to visit Adria.

They go to a party on a nearby island known to be haunted and also known as the place where kids from Embassy Row go to party. Grace has to get away from the group because bonfires and the smell of smoke bring flashbacks of things very painful. She finds Spence at a clearing in the forest outside some ruins. He kisses her which leads Alexei to fight with him. In fact, the fight and Alexei's threats to kill him are captured on many of the phones of other partygoers.

When Spence is found dead the next day with a broken neck, those videos lead the police to think Alexei did the deed. However, Alexei has diplomatic immunity. When his father makes a deal for Alexei to give up his immunity and talk to the police, Grace is sure that is a bad idea. She is determined to clear her friend's name.

Meanwhile, Grace is also learning about secrets that make her a potential member of a society of women that has existed for more than 1000 years. The only thing is, she isn't at all sure that she can trust the society.

This was a fast-paced thriller narrated by Grace who may or may not have mental issues that make those around her, and sometimes Grace herself, question what is real. I can't wait to read the third book in this series. ( )