The first one-third of the book was practically a clone of the first book. Double-crossing two powerful figures -- one of which, the main characters are very involuntarily allied with -- while trying to pull a big heist.

Then, suddenly, it's a book about pirates. Not necessarily a BAD change. Just different. Unfortunately, most of the decent parts tended to get lost in all of the uninteresting nautical jargon.

Good book overall; just not as good as the first book.