Better than the first book. The violence, brutality, character development, and spread further into the world all paid off to create a more compelling narrative and will keep me on to finish the series. The immaturity of writing and voice was still a bit of a letdown, but it’s definitely stronger than book 1.

Knowing the “smut factor” is what made these books viral, it is definitely steamier than Fourth Wing, and those scenes felt more earned within the narrative. Though I wish Yarros employed more variety in her diction. While she placed the characters in different “positions”, she was pretty repetitive in word choice for the acts themselves.

Really strong climax and ending which sets up a great conflict for the final book.