Every book gets better and better. I don't know how she does it. This book was absolutely amazing and it's so hard to write a spoiler-free review on this book because everything in it is spoilers! From what Aelin's doing to who she makes friends with to the new characters we're really getting to know. This book has honestly become one of my favorite in the series (as I currently read Kingdom of Ash). I will add, I see the Chaol hate but he reacted so realistically and I understand why he does and says the things he does.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Spoiler

Honestly, seeing Aelin become friends with Lysandra, who was used and abused just as much, if not worse, by Arrobyn, made me so happy. It's awesome to see female friendships that don't put each other down. And do see Arrobyn finally thwarted and pay for what he did to Sam? PERFECT!

Getting to see Manon grow and the relationship she has with Elide and her Thirteen was also a lot more refreshing than the Manon chapters we had in Heir of Fire. Both of these women really grew on me in this book and I'm excited to see where they go from here (I need Elide with actual iron teeth and nails, thankyew).

Chaol, yes, was a dick. But I really get where he's coming from. Everything he is, everything he's built himself on, was utterly crushed when Dorian was captured by the King and forced to wear the collar. When he couldn't protect his best friend and Aelin was across the sea. He's bitter and feels lost and useless and is trying so hard to make up for all of that but he doesn't know how. In this house, we do not stand for Chaol hate.

Dorian. <3

AELIN AND ROWAN. <3 Holy crap their love story just makes me so happy. How protective he is over her, how he doesn't let her get away with bullshit but still let's her be her own Queen. Love the power dynamic!