Otherwise, while Carey definitely matures as a writer, and she does, the story itself doesn't grow extensively deeper, more engrossing, or whatever. The key here really is whether you are engaged by Phedre and to a lesser degree her relationships and connections to other characters and antagonists.

That's why I give her props as a writer while stating that I personally was not engaged by large portions of her story or her character building. The writing is mechanical, and she's pretty good at that, the storytelling and characterizations are more personal experiences and didn't work much for me. That is why I said that if he enjoyed the first book, then it's safe to say he'll enjoy the rest of the series. If he doesn't, then it's not likely that the other books will change his mind.