I am giving this 5 stars because I'm deeply invested in this series and these characters, but this one was probably really a 4 star for me. I felt like there was a lot happening, and nothing happening at all.

It was satisfying, as a reader, to have both worlds come together, but I wish it had happened earlier in the book. I hope Cashore writes another one (does anyone know if there is going to be another one??) that more deeply explores the relationship between the Dells characters and the seven kingdoms characters. Cashore also did a great job of capturing how overwhelming it would be to be an 18 year old queen of a broken kingdom.

Finally, I really loved Saf, obviously, but found myself hopeful that Bitterblue and Giddon would get together. I think that was hinted at rather strongly, so I'm hoping that was intentional and will be revealed in a fourth book.

Clearly, I am really, really hopeful for a fourth book.