There isn't even a breather between books one and two. Seriously, Bryn leaves the Sinclair estate at the end of Going Down in Flames, and we start Bridges Burned right there in the car again. Thus, no easing into the story, but the incients get right on worse. And since this had way more very low aimed blows to dish out, I feel so sorry for Bryn. The attempts on her life she could deal with, sort of, but this... it's very painful, and not even food and sleep can makes things better this time. I went through all the emotions with her, and while the bickering and banter from book one are still present to make me laugh here and there, the action and drama dominate this installment, leaving me frustrated, angry, and with a bad feeling for what's to come in book three. In my opinion a bold, but good move.
There wasn't much room for character development, since the time frame was rather cramped again, but the relationships changed quite some, and I liked that. Plus, her characters speak volumes by their actions, so feel very connected to them, although there really is no room to get into details and backgrounds with them.
I already felt that Jaxon and Bryn were very much alike in book one, so they could and should be friends, but to get to the point where they'd be a in a loving relationship wouldn't be easy for them, I think. If everything had started out differently, it would be easier -- if it really were to comes to that, and yes, they really did get set up by the Directorate. But since this is all about changing the system, let's not write anything in stone just yet. I'm happy that they are becoming friends somewhat -- I believe they could get to be tight as siblings, and that'd be awesome. Jaxon is generally awesome, not an asshat at all, Bryn is just grumpy that he can be as snarky as herself. ^^ Also, I believe he does, to some extend already, love his intended Rhianna, because she is very much like his mother. I also think that he'd never take on a mistress, because he'd respect his wife more than that, unlike his father. I think I'm a little in love with him, because he has a good heart, is warm and loyal to a fault, even though he can be bossy. x)
I also liked how Bryn's relationships with Jaxon's mother Lilith, Rhianna, her knight Valmont, and her grandparents developed. Although she might not really fit into dragon society, at least she finally found people who she feels she belongs to. As for Bryn belonging to Zavien... I don't want to spoil anything, but let's say that they didn't develop as I expected. Again, a bold but good move from Chris Cannon. *thumbs up* Speaking of relationships, Merrick was noticably absent in this one, and it gave me a very bad feeling. I really don't want him turning out to be one of the bad guys after all! He had charme, but I also think he had heart.
I'm in love with the series. Those dragons really rock! Then there's the conspiracy underneath it all... okay, so you tend to forget about it here and there with all the action, but I love the mix. Thus, while I don't want it to end at all, I really want to know how it continues on.
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 4/5 -- Vocab: 5/5 -- Plot: 5/5 -- Heroes: 4/5 -- Sidekicks: 5/5 -- Villains: 2/5 -- Romance: 3.5/5 -- Drama: 5/5 -- Suspense: 4/5