Like the rest of the fantasy and romantasy readers, I have done nothing in my spare time but read this book for the past few days and I have absolutely zero regrets. I absolutely loved Fourth Wing and had my issues with Iron Flame but this book completely turned the series back around for me.

The stakes were high but accurate to the tone of the novel. The tension was for important matters rather than the miscommunication trope of the second book. There were characters that we got to love even more and characters we lost that we truly felt the devastation of losing. There were so many moments when the reality of war was felt and I knew none of the characters would be safe.

My main issues with the previous book were that there was a disconnect between the interpersonal stakes and the world stakes, where the relationship drama was supposed to be seen as equally important to the impending war. But this book captured that balance perfectly. Yes the interpersonal relationships still held that same weight but now it was justified.

It it almost 2am and I am reeling from the last hundred pages of the book. Yarros clearly took the time this book needed to create a polished final print and I appreciate her for prioritising the story being told correctly over being released as soon as possible. Although, that being said, the speed at which she writes is insane and as a writer I commend her even more.

Genuinely, this is the new big hit for a reason and you should give it a read.