I really enjoyed reading this book and loved the way it wrapped up the story started in the first book. For me, the pacing was not great. It was easier to get into than the first book, since the world and characters were established, but it felt like it was a cycle of intense action or emotion and then a slow down of nothing happening, and then intense again. This lead to me zoning out while reading a lot and wondering what exactly was happening. I also felt like the end battle ended up kind of anti-climatic. By then I was ready for it to be over, so I was okay with it, but they built up a lot and left it right until the end to resolve everything. Not to mention, they made a whole plan and while I didn't understand any of it, it didn't even lead up to anything. This all being said, the book still had me so stressed, which is a sign of good writing. For me, the highlight of the book was the character writing. The way Faizal writes character relationships is so compelling. I really enjoyed the addition of Altair's perspective. He was a character that stood out in the first book for me and I loved hearing his point of view and learning more about his backstory. I also liked how the side characters got more development in this one. I actually felt like I knew them and was attached to these characters, unlike the first book. I especially loved Lana, who turned out to be kinda the best. I of course loved the relationship between Nasir and Zafira. While I don't generally love a slow burn, this one had me in my feels. I was yelling at my book for them to actually talk to each other, but it felt like a realistic portrayal of how people would act in that situation. I loved how both Zafira and Nasir had to learn how to deal with their trauma on their own and not just rely on the other to fix them, even though their relationship did help them heal.

I know the end was a little cheesy but with all the pain that this book caused me it was the perfect ending. I love that they ended up together and the last line that Nasir says almost made me cry, which is not great since I was reading this at work. But even though they had a happily ever after, they didn't have to sacrifice part of their identities to end up together. Each of them is a powerful person in their own right who has their own goals and dreams but they are still together supporting each other. I think that is the best ending they could've had.

Overall, a fantastic conclusion to a great duology!