Following on from "Queen of the Tearling", this second part of the trilogy hit me with quite a few surprises: Kelsea mind-travels back several generations to a pre-Crossing time and into the life of Lily and her encounter with William Tear, the "creator" of the Tearling. Meanwhile Mortmesne invades with interesting and expected consequences.
A worthwhile read, full of original thought, which makes this series stand out in many ways. Recommended to lovers of well-thought out fantasy.