I wanted to like the book because I love Martin as a writer and the series. Unfortunately, the mystery plot felt empty at the end. There was nothing to connect the Blackbirds with the society that'd been built up around them. Even knowing the back story, it was still lacking the heart. I wanted more on Orlando and the past, how the world worked, instead of the consistent show-don't-tell. There was a lot missing in the winding history of the Blackbird society. Not a recommended book. Sad to say.