Whilst I hadn't read book 1 in the series, I didn't struggle too much with keeping up with the main plotlines and characters development.

Aya and Will are essentially committing reason against their Queen for the good of their realm. The Queen is on a power-trip and claiming to hear the voices of the banished Gods (never good when someone is hearing voices!).  They have only just made new allies with Aiden and his sister Jodie. It's hard work overthrowing cruel and corrupt despots!

But now they have to attempt to fit back into their lives, keeping their new found romance a secret and try to find ways to save their realm. I have to say Gianna is a complete dictator and she had no compunction torturing Aya's friend for her own ends.  

The plot is windy and twisty and I did get confused a few times.  However the pacing is good and I enjoyed the variety of characters.  There is representation for LGBTQIA+ and a few of them could also possibly be neuro-diverse.

I did find Tova quite hard to like, even after being tortured!  Similarly  Lena was a bitter pill but I quite liked her brother, even when they were on opposing sides.  If Aya is going to be a SpyMistress, she really needs a lesson in subterfuge and subtlety - she is sometimes as subtle as a brick to the noggin! LOL