At the beginning of the book, in the coloured pages, a brief recounting of the events of the first book are told, as well as a sort of 'get you up to speed' period. Kieli writes a letter to her deceased friend Becca, with snappy comments from Harvey, talking about their adventures and her feelings. After she falls asleep though the Corporal (in the radio) and Harvey have a short conversation as he reveals more than he perhaps wants to about his feelings.

In many ways this second book fulfilled the promises of the first. Harvey is indeed taking Kieli to the Sand Ocean to travel on a boat, but their adventures become twisted and complex unexpectedly due to complications with both who he is (an Undying) and her power (to see, talk to and channel spirits). We learn a little more about Harvey's past, but more importantly we learn about Kieli's past before she came to live with her 'Grandmother'.

In an odd twist of fate explanations for why Kieli has that special power and why she so readily accepts Harvey as a companion come to light. More questions arise, but an answer seems to be hovering. I felt bad for Harvey in this book--though he's a jerk and insensitive everywhere he goes he is met by dead friends or friends who have changed so drastically since he last saw them. One time good friends have become bitter enemies, or worse, seek to use what he is for their own profit. I can't help but think that's worse then having a friend turn into your enemy. Knowing their not doing it out of hatred or revenge, but because of profit?

Like the first novel the book is split into shorter sections with chapter names narrowing the focus for that particular section. The section titled "Tori Peri" effected me the most, though "Gimmick Doll, Gimmick Heart" was awfully close. The other sections, detailing their journey on one ship or another, were more chilling then anything else.

The romance, such as it is, is subtle and less about a romantic relationship and more about two people who need each other. I don't doubt they both have affection for each other, but the knowledge that while Harvey stays eternally about 20 and Kieli ages makes them both wary. Harvey responds by unconsciously preparing "for that day" by treating Kieli dispassionately and rudely (only when she's awake however). Kieli by contrast refuses to linger on what could happen in the future, for her just being with Harvey for ten more days is enough and she'd worry about more later.

Some of the more hilarious parts are when Harvey's new piece of equipment refuses to listen to his commands. Not only does he have the Corporal lecturing him for treating Kieli so rudely, but now he has a mechanical gadget as well--he can't win!

According to the Yen Press website it seems as if they are going to release 2 books a year from now (March 2010) til 2013, with a new book in April and September. The next book, consequently, is due out in September 2010 and is called Prisoners Bound for Another Planet. ( )