Although the first book wasn't all that unique, I agree the second book was underwhelming in-comparison.
In the first book our main hero vaelin. A convenient "orphan", thrown into a life of hardship and cruelty that put his body spirit and soul to the test. Through out the years he finds a brotherhood, earns skills in arms, leaderships etc, He struggles to find his moral compass, shows skills and ingenuity, becomes a symbol, and uncover an innate ability and plot that put him at the heart of centuries old struggle bla bla bla...
While in the second book. Vaelin, the "chosen one", leaves all choices and deeds to a little voice inside his head, until he finally saves the day by committing a suicidal charge. We also have Reva, a pale version of Vaelin from the first book that we don't really care about, a Joan of Arc wanna be. In a month the angry girl becomes a super duper swordsmen and mighty archer that humbles any elite warrior,best tactician etc because magic *yawn*
Also in book 1, we were introduced to intrigue and mystery, we follow the hero through mundane straggles as he uncover grand schemes and prophecies that steer the course of events on local and global scale. Later we learn of greater empire who is more advanced\rich\expansive, who has great power on its side, that make use of people with abilities, who has legions of people who has been bread\trained for specific tasks. Who for years gather intelligence and planned a continent wide invasion, with the unified realm being just the staging area. Who bribed eliminated and destroyed any most people in a position of power and skill to offer resistance.. But in book 2 there is no intrigue, only our heroes filled with righteous conviction fighting a black and white struggle and dumb luck/fate that brings them all to victory.....
