I'll be honest, when I saw this sequel was still focused primarily on Velasin and Caethari I was surprised. I was excited for a follow-up in this world but not sure how much more there was to develop in their relationship. In some ways this book is less about their relationship and more about their individual journeys, especially Velasin, who is adjusting to life in a society where it's safe for him to be out (but not safe in other respects!) and unlearning/unpacking years of survival mechanisms and trauma responses. As with the previous book, it packs an emotional punch.

The pacing of All the Hidden Paths is a little uneven - I'm not convinced the strictly chronological narrative made sense as the first portion of the book drags - but overall a solid follow-up and I hope there will be more books in this setting.

Honestly, this was okay it wasn't my favorite. I didn't care for the writing style or transitions. Not much felt that fleshed out. Enjoyable for the most part but I wouldn't pick it up again.