Hidden Huntress didn't fall into that dreaded second book syndrome trap (i.e., where it feels less like a story and more like a springboard into the final third book). However, for different reasons, I don't think it was able to hold its own.

Cécile and Tristan are just as delightful to read in this book as in the first, [b:Stolen Songbird|17926775|Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy, #1)|Danielle L. Jensen|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1386265289s/17926775.jpg|25125333], and I thought their relationship continued to develop in an organic and natural way. They do have a great deal of chemistry and they rely on each other equally.

The world-building, descriptions, and characterizations were still well within the range of the first book. But, here again, I found the book to be a tad bit long. I'm not even sure where I'd trim it, because it's an overall feeling and nothing I can pinpoint, but it's there again like in the first book.

But, aside from that I felt like this novel was entirely too predictable. All the plot points and all the little turns were fine and enjoyable to read. It's one or two larger key plot elements that are supposed to lead to the big reveal that I knew either early on or even from midway through the first book. I knew the identity of Anushka from the last book, and it was beyond irritating at times (like shake the book worthy) to have to wait so long for the characters to figure it out. Far too long. The mystery surrounding Anaïs in this book was easy to figure out, and though I didn't have to wait that long for it to be made known, it was bothersome to realize that it not only took Tristan more than a nanosecond to figure it out, but that none of the other trolls around him had realized it yet. That made for a frustrating read and it was difficult at times to push through it and not skim.

I am interested enough to see where the story goes from here to continue with the series, but I'm not actually excited to pick it up, just curious enough to have it on my list.