If anyone can deliver a sequel, it's Cassandra Clare. It had everything I wanted and more, from strong character development and budding romance to plot twists and intricate world-building. I loved the new characters introduced in the installment, and they really added to the plot. The politics between the kingdom, the sault, and the malgasi were so expertly done. I also would be remiss if I didn't mention the Jewish representation shown through the Ashkar people, especially Lin herself. Seeing characters like me in high fantasy is a gift, and I'm so thankful to Cassandra for that. What I liked about this book was its digestibility. I didn't want to stop reading, but there were times I had to, and I could easily pick it up again. The alternating POVs were well done, and I liked the little snippets from characters between the main chapters. They helped propel the story, and I always wondered what was coming next. I love the characters in this series. Kel and Lin are probably my favorites, but that isn't to say I don't enjoy seeing Connor's POV or the other plethora of characters. The politics of the Castellane are so intense, and while I could tell it was a political story, it didn't take me out of the reading experience. I could go on and on about Cassandra Clare and how special this book was for me to read. I am always sad when I finish something she's written, but it also makes me excited about book three. An absolute winner of a sequel, for sure! Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC to read and review!