4.5 (definitely 5 star parts and 4 star parts). Still great character development and relationship building but the overall plot is just ok. My favorite part of this book was the different highlords and their descriptions and personalities. It was more war heavy than the rest of the series which I enjoyed especially how badass Cassian and Azriel are portrayed. I struggled with the pacing a bit at times going a week without finding the motivation to read it during boring parts and then at times so much happening at once that I couldn't put it down. It had a very satisfying ending that wrapped up nicely which is always a plus for me. I continue to like and enjoy these books but not to the degree their cult following seems to.