Like the previous book this one doesn't focus on Cal's POV; it's shared with Catcher - the cousin of Rafferty stuck in wolf form. Haven't heard that name in a while, huh? He was the healer that helped them out in the first book and then disappeared until this one. This time the POV of switch ups aren't nearly as frequent and we really do see most of the book through Cal's eyes. It's still a little jarring when you get to the POV changes, at least for me it is. Last time, the changes were between Cal and Niko and it was easy to tell the two apart. This time... it's a bit harder. Cal and Catcher are very similar. Heck, the Leandros brothers and the... Jefchew cousins are very similar. You'll find yourself reading very familiar monologue when you are in Catcher's POV. It is interesting for the different perspective you get on the other characters or the things you learn about Cal.The mission in this one is to stop an antihealer - one that's been living for a hell of a long time, but imprisoned by the Rom. He's repeatedly referred to as the Plague of the Earth and rightfully so. He can cause some nasty stuff to happen and does throughout the novel. Sounds like a neat guy, huh? He really was, but he didn't get enough focus - especially the confrontation at the end. There was a side thing with Delilah, Cal, and the Kin, but it almost took over the main story - to the point where it was hard telling what the main focus was supposed to be. I would have rather seen the book focus on only the problem with Suyolak (the antihealer) than with the wolves as well. Because of this division in the story I was left feeling that the ending wasn't really complete. I was disappointed with the outcome of the wolf cousins, hopefully this isn't the last we'll see of them. For the issue with the Kin and Delilah - that was solved, but it wasn't a very satisfactory solution. For me at least.
As for character development, Niko, Delilah, Rafferty, and Catcher are pretty much the same - there's not much development with them. Character changes happen with Cal and Robin. Cal has to deal with his Auphe side in this one quite a bit more and learns a bit of startling news about that side. He just can't catch a break. Robin... oh Robin. He's dealing with monogamy. Robin is. The reaction I had is pretty much the same as the character's. It's such a far out their thing for Robin to be doing, but it's interesting.
Again, this book in the series shines with the characters rather than with the story. It's enjoyable, but I would have liked a bit more focus on the story.