The strongest stylistic thread between the two books is virtually nonstop action. The characters often escape death in the face of apparently insurmountable odds, although thousands of soldiers and civilians are not quite so fortunate. In fact, once the characters take their places on or near the Europa Platform, the vast majority of the first 250 or so pages are filled with rapidly paced descriptions of continuing battles between and among the geopolitical entities and their agents and soldiers. Williams quickly cuts from the point of view of one group of characters to another, rarely spending more than two pages on each before changing again. Even more so than The Mirrored Heavens, the feel is like that of a first-person shooter video game in which the reader continually jumps from shooter to shooter, although all of them are on the same side (supposedly). As Williams has acknowledged, some have even called his style "combat porn."
Yet it's not just the battles that are no holds barred. Within and among the various groups and alliances, there are conspiracies and double dealing within double dealing and conspiracies. In fact, when the last third or so of The Burning Skies moves to Earth, the action sequences subside as Williams presents a somewhat neuropsychogical exploration of Claire. Still, the plot continues to try to both hide the ball and slowly reveal the hidden machinations and intrigues.
Personally, I prefer the more thought-provoking aspects of "soft" science fiction over the warfare inherent in military science fiction, especially when the battles royal are as unrelenting as here. As a result, Williams' continuing, if not increased, focus on action as opposed to the political, historical and sociological aspects of this future Earth makes this the weaker of the two books from my perspective. But if you enjoyed The Mirrored Heavens because of its action or are a fan of fast-paced and ferocious combat SF, The Burning Skies should not disappoint.
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