Just finished the book. So, these will be my first thoughts. This book is a prequel to the first book and explores the origins of the island. It is a multi narrative work. But, all the strands work well together. It is a harsher read than the first, looking at the abuses faced by the founders of the island, including sexual violence and slavery . It's not graphic, is well written and nescary. But, it's still there.