I just finished this last night and really enjoyed it. If The Falconer was Scottish steampunk with fairies, The Vanishing Throne was more Scottish post apocalyptic...with fairies. Post faepocalypse? Is that a thing? It is now. So yes, a bit darker than the first book but with the welcome addition of Kiaran's somewhat crazy sister for humour and feels. I'm excited to pick up the third book!