Sequel lives up to the great original
346952
I was so excited to read more Matty and Rob, and this book did not disappoint. I was up half the night finishing it! It was great getting Rob's POV (along with Matty's), and seeing Rob have his own struggles while he tries to always be so strong for Matty, who is such a memorable and unique character. Even when they have problems, I always know things will be okay in the end because they love each other so much. I really hope there will be a third book as they continue their life together!
84583
The original has to be one of my all-time favorite tales, the first character in history to have a "secret identity". I bought this volume to read the sequels, but of course you must begin with the first, because several of the characters are revisited and there is added depth to them based on what they went through. I would say they go in descending order of excellence, like a gentle glide-path of enjoyment: "Scarlet Pimpernel" is a must-read, "I Will Repay" has some excellent exchanges and another terrific dilemma to negotiate, and "The Elusive Pimpernel" is merely a very good and readable yarn.
Get it, read it. You will not be disappointed if you have any romanticism and love of adventure in your heart.
1240286
I have found that so many times a sequel to a great book falls a bit short of expectations. Not so with this one.

The story introduces new characters into the lives of the folks from the first book 'Sweet Release'.

These characters are so well defined and described that I could 'see' and 'feel' them.
Lots of action and suspense throughout.

Without giving anything away, I will admit to a few happy/sad tears...especially in one particular part.

A very enjoyable read.
1475601
Second time through, and still as good as the first!
4945503
This book is as great as the first -- or even better.

I think the author does an even better job in this book of humanizing various characters.  And the "Zombies" take more of a back-seat role here as the main conflict is with "evil" people.
2915611
As much as I enjoyed the first book, this sequel is even better.  The plot builds and so do the characters.  The only drawback is that I can't wait to read the conclusion in the third novel.  I anxiously await.
61585
John Powell, who also wrote the score for the first How to Train Your Dragon, has done a fantastic job yet again. Throughout this sequel score I've noticed many familiar themes from the first movie that have been revised. That said there is still plenty of new and unique melodies ranging from the quite and demure, almost ethereal at times, to the exciting and grand. There is even a duet with Stoick the Vast (voiced by Gerard Butler) and Hiccup's mother Valka (voiced by Cate Blanchett).

At the time of writing this review I've only had the opportunity to listen to this complete score a couple of times, but I can already tell that it was worth every penny.
2431112
This is a great sequel. It's rare for a spin-off to measure up to the first series of books but this one may be better than the first.
4640921
Mr. Bois builds on his epic story of the Lt. and Mrs. Lockwood in a sequel that surpasses the original.  Historical detail, wonderful characters, and a  story line that begs for another chapter in the saga- can't wait!
3947345
While I liked the original more I still love this one as well.
3069928
I was not sure if this sequel could be as engaging or well thought out as its predecessor, Ianthe, but it did not let me down. The author does a great job of further developing the characters that I loved from the first book while adding some great new characters. Like the first book, the stories pace will keep you turning pages and the ending is not only pleasing but also intriguing. The ending strikes a balance between predictable and overly improbable which is something lacking from most stories. While the story wraps up nicely in the end, I find myself wanting more.
1517535
Shrek 2 is absolutely hilarious. All the charm from the original is back and the new characters are positively wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised at the clever story and racy humor. (Complaining parents should have taken the PG rating into consideration.) The pop culture references and insider jokes were nothing short of brilliant and really added to the fun. The visual details are jaw-dropping. This is not better or worse than the original. It is definitely in the same level and the must-see of summer movies. I can't wait to see what they do for the third film!
1603727
It is often difficult for a sequel to live up to the original. That's not the case here! The California Wife is as good as The Vintner's Daughter (Harnisch's first book). There were the characters you cheered for, the ones you wanted to get there comeuppance and the accuracy of historical references made you feel as if you were there and the characters were real. I couldn't put it down and, in the end, I was left wanting more! I'm hopeful and excited to see what's in store for Phillipe, Sara and the rest of the extended Lemieux family!!
1438898
I think the original is the best and judging by the reviews of the sequel, I am right. Good story and some the lines are a hoot.
2167283
The rare sequel that not only lives up to the first book but surpasses it. Still funny and gross and way way over the top but this time with a plot. A good read.
10409
Huge fan of the original movie. This one -- Loved it! As a sequel, this was top notch and the ending left room to make this a fantastic trilogy. I had just rented this but I will most definitely buy it now. There are some movies that you just cannot watch too many times.
2191304
I recently finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo as Retold by Sherlock Holmes.  Having thoroughly enjoyed it, I just knew that the sequel would be equally enjoyable and I was not disappointed.

The writing is just as beautiful and intelligent as the first book and makes the reading experience quite satisfying.

Admittedly, this is quite a bit racier than the first book so it does take a little while to switch gears to the new direction the characters take but the interactions are believable and seamlessly woven into the larger narrative.

I certainly highly recommend this intriguing continuation of the original story.

I continue to be impressed by this author and look forward to future releases in the series.