I have a lot to say. First off, this is the first time while reading this series that I cried, like actually openly wept, while reading. And that happened not once but twice.

(I’m looking at you Andarna and Quinn).

Next, I think the best part of this book is after the first hundred pages and before the last 2-3 chapters. It has a bit of a slow start because there seems to be a lot to catch up on after the end of Iron Flame, but very little time has passed so it feels a bit jarring at the beginning but then it really picks up.

And while I know she has to set us up for a cliffhanger at the end, I don’t necessarily love where we’ve ended up with Xaden (aka fully venin, not stable, fully given over to that life). And I do not love that we ended with Imogen saying that “[she did] what [Violet] asked her to” after we find out that Violet and Xaden are MARRIED and that the whole world is going to shit.

I’m actually mad that we’re not getting book 4 for awhile. Infuriating.

That being said, I absolutely LOVED the chapters exploring the limits of the world, including the islands. Despite the danger at every stop I loved seeing more of the world. I also loved the reckless way that Xaden and Violet love each other in this one - no worrying about whether or not they do, but instead using that to push each other to be the best version of each other and make powerful, meaningful decisions together.

Honestly, I’m very excited to read the next installment and I feel like I already need to reread it.