The word that keeps coming when I read this series is... solid. They're just good books and I can tell it's going to be a good series.

I love how dark it can get - this installation definitely had much more violence and gore than I expected (not extreme or crude, but it was enough to remind you of what the whole premise of this series is all about). It also touched upon grief and mourning, and those dark and deep feelings of hate a person can carry with them when they've experienced trauma and loss. I definitely had moments while reading this where I thought, wait is this still YA?

SPOILERS AHEAD:

CALEANA AND CHAOL FINALLY GOT TOGETHER! And my heart melted and I was so happy about it even though I knew it couldn't last long. But my heart is still hopeful that later in the series they will be able to find each other again.

Caleana being fae was an awesome revelation. There had to be a reason behind why she was so good at what she does, at why she does what she does. It was so good to see that plot point revealed through the eyes of Chaol too. And of course, I'm interested in seeing how her stance as the rightful heir is going to play out as the series progresses.

I know Dorian having magic within him is important and will become a greater plot point, but I have such a hard time caring about him as a character. Hopefully my feelings will change over time?

All in all - I'm excited for the next one! Oh, and Fleetfoot is the best character, hands down.