I did not realise until a few chapters into the book that this was the second book in the series. I chose not to read the first in the series before continuing this book, as I had read online that some people said it was fine as a standalone. I do regret not reading the first book, as I feel it would have helped me understand the storyline and the characters more whilst reading the second both. However, nonetheless I very much enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were interesting and the storyline was gripping. I did not know much about the history of the time in which the book was set, however I did not feel this hindered my understand of the novel and its storyline. I would recommend to friends and family, however I would encourage them to read book 1 first.