This is a 4.90 rounded up for me. The reason not for 5 stars is a personal reason is that I wish there had been a little breakdown or smidge more worldbuilding or even a map at the start of the book. I just wanted to know more about this world and how it got like this and to understand the conflict a little more or which territories were fighting and who they fell under. I know it wasn't the main focus of the story but that is just something my brain was wanting a little more of. Which is why I think it was a personal reason which made the start of the book a little harder for me to get into because I was trying to piece together everything. Other than that, I really loved this book. I have enjoyed each book by ND Jones and have bought physical trophies for my shelves after I finish each one. 
Each book had an underlaying theme and this one was about the effects of war on the most vulnerable communities especially children. In this book she explored the exploitation of children into human trafficking for such reasons as domestic slavery, child soldiers or for sexual exploitation. It talks about governments/soldiers who willfully turn a blind eye to the effects of these wars/missions/policies and the effects it can have and how they can benefit from these systems in place. But then the question becomes what do you do when you are forced to look and see what is going on. Do you pretend to see nothing, see what is going on but choose to do nothing or do you try to do something. 
Overall, I loved the story and the characters. You had action, heart, romance, family bonds (blood and the ones you make), humor and strength of character and purpose. I loved Fayola who is the FMC who is our reluctant hero but believes in the purpose of the mission and will stop at nothing to help those children she feels responsible for. A great read as always. 

This book is about Fayola who is a veteran impundulu shifter who has 1 more mission before her compulsory military service is complete. While she has always done her duty it was one of reluctance and a means to an end to return back home to her father. This final mission is to rescue a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but the doctor won't leave the children under her care preventing Fayola from completing her mission. So, what is she willing to do and risk for this mission so she can close this chapter on her life. But when there are those who hide who they truly are and abuse the trust, they are given by those most vulnerable then what is a soldier like Fayola supposed to do. Especially when a child puts her faith in Fayola to rescue her and the other orphaned children from a fate worse than death.