When We Rise

I'm fresh after finishing so I guess I'll be parsing through plot events from the end but also spoiler free so don't expect to see here too much about the plot. I've also read the first review that showed up and as usual - I shouldn't have done it, as it impacts my own thoughts. Although in this case I have a different opinion.
Huge plus for not ending the book with as disruptive cliffhanger as volume one. I was super lucky that I could read ARC directly after volume one.
For me this was much better book and better writing than volume one and I see a writer that quickly steps up her craft. More focus on characters, their evolution and their backgrounds did a lot of good. Domitris became much more believable character for me compared to volume one where I finally got a reason why this soft and self doubting personality could become the first elected emperor. I still do like his companions more though