i have not read the previous book in this series, however this one can be read as a standalone quite well because the events in it run parallel to the previous story, and are not dependent on it.

i think the author used an interesting mix of mythology and science fiction, going outside the usual norm we see in fiction. i definitely enjoyed it quite a bit but the pacing was a problem for me, as was the characterization. i think the characters lacked dimension and things were very clear cut between them. the heroine is awkward, shy and good; the villain is evil just because. i usually prefer more morally grey characters.

however, if you're looking for a more original take on norse mythology, i think this could be a good choice.

Rating 3/5

This was a parallel story to If Souls Can Sleep so I thought I didn't need to read the first book in order to understand this because it wasn't a sequel.

I disliked the multiple POVs and how they didn't mesh well. Add that to the dreamscape setting and I was more lost in trying to understand what was going on vs. enjoying the story. It was just too confusing and all over the place for me that I couldn't enjoy it.