For once, I get to go with the majority: this book is noticeably better than book 1. The supernatural aspects from book one are better explained here - in fact, they are now identified as coming from a sci-fi source. It makes much more sense to think of Jack as hosting an alien life-form, than as being possessed by a demon-like spirit. (Well, it does for me since I like action-sci-fi and don't like supernatural-ghost based writing).

The story seems to start off a bit sluggish... but if you make it through the first 1/4, it really picks up into a decent action novel. Lots of non-graphic violence and bad guys bite the biscuit on a regular basis. There is no romantic component to this novel - maybe a quick mention that Jack and Janet had a previous relationship, but no sappiness or sex goes on in here...

The story is independent of the first book, and it is fully wrapped up here too. The next book in the series might have the same characters, but it will have to be a completely different 'mission' since all the bad guys got their just desserts here.

I'll read the next in the series. ( )