I really loved this story but Violet was pissing me off. And Xaden too. It spent like 2/3 the book on them fighting and they're supposed to be the main couple? Also what's the point of the Vi-Cat rivalry if it's just gonna fall on its face at the end. I honestly feel like that was added in just because it's whats "supposed" to happen in this genre and then the author was like "Ok, we did the rivalry with the ex, let's move on". Just cur the entire subplot out. It's time we could have spent exploring Jesenia and Sawyer. Or Brennan. Or Tairn, his previous rider, and the fact he died to save Brennan, who is alive, so did he succeed or did something else happen? Is Vi, who's supposed to be a genius, just not questioning that, because the fact she appeals to Malek so often and now may have proof resurrection is possible seems like it needs to be a big dealer? Also where's Brennan's dragon if riders--unless venin--die when their dragons die and he can still wield? Even Rhi's dragon is mentioned in passing so his should at least appear in the background. Especially if it's been residing in Aretia since he "died" and they just established hatching grounds there. Maybe this all gets answered next book, but, man. I just wish we cut the constant fighting (esp. when they say Xaden and Cat were the toxic ones) and jealousy and focused on these things. The "you don't trust me" line gets tired after the first 20 times. The humor also bordered on a bit cringey at times. That said, it's also badass as hell. And I really love seeing a main character with a chronic pain illness because I can relate. I also love how complex the relationships--when they're not "complex" just because they have the same argument every 5 seconds--are. Violet's relationships with her mom, Dain, Mira, Brennan, Sloane, and even Rhi do a great job of showing her and their flaws and making them all fleshed out characters. And the worldbuilding is really intriguing. I would love to see more of Poromiel befayse the nobility seemed interesting, and I wonder how a kingdom that's already fully known of and been dealing with venin functions and still remains afloat. I'd love to see more of those who stayed at Basgiath and love how they framed it as more of a "stay and defend Navarre because it's all you've ever known, or take a chance and try to defend some far-away place you've never known and until yesterday thought of as the enemy because of a threat you thought was a fable until yesterday" instead of black and white, good and bad. I also feel this 100% should've been two books because after they left Basgiath I was sitting there thinking it felt like the ending and unsure how they'd handle introducing a new setting and characters. It worked, but two books would probably work better.

What was this book? I feel like I was hit by a high speed dragon after finishing it.

I love this world and I love these characters. All of them. Even the villains... they are perfect, cruel, merciless...

The only reason this read isn't 5 stars is because the book has a lot of unnecessary stuff. The beginning is slow (but it was the same with 'Fourth Wing') but then the story gains the right momentum. I feel this book is unnecessary long: if they just talked - they share a mental bond, GOD, just mentally talk or whatever - many of the problems would be solved; and I think that are a lot of little details that were left without explanation.

But I don't want to judge too much, maybe all the explanations are in the next book! Yes, because after this ending I expect perfection for the third book. Everything MUST be ok.