The world building. I can see there is a lil bit development of the world building. We've got 2 maps (if I'm not wrong) the Empire maps and the prison maps. Here, we explore more regions of the Empire and we got more policital intrigue. Like, the gens vs the plebeians, scholars vs tribes, etc. all of which had an effect on the Empire.

The plot is super enganging especially bcs in this book we get the adventures of Laia and Elias run away from Blackcliff and crossing the desert to save Laia's brother and it's so thrilling. I literally devoured this book within a day. It's such a page-turner book and I couldn't put it down.

Now instead of 2 POVs we got 3!! Laia, Elias, and Helene. I love to read each of their POVs. I can see the way everyone seeing the world differently. They have their own beliefs, wounds, and something to have to be fought for. Almost reached the end of the book, we get a plot-twist!!! A good + unexpected yet heartbreaking + hurtful plot-twist which makes me unable to stop swearing lol

The characters. Here we see more characters development of our casts. Laia's and Elias' characters have changed so much since the last book but their core personality the same. The characters are forced to make decisions that go against everything they believe they are. Laia becomes more mature
- Afya Ara-Nur and Mamie Rila is one of my fave supporting characters. Afya is such an interesting character, she is a tribe-leader, maybe you'll find she is too bold/annoying but actually she's a caring and clever. Mamie Rila is a storyteller from her tribe, she's loving and devoted to her tribe.

The ending is wonderful and leaves space for a whole new story to begin. 

Overall, the story leaves the reader in anticipation of the next book.