This was an amazing sequel to a strong first book in a fantasy series. I did feel like we were in limbo for most of this book almost as if we were waiting for something to happen. For most of this book the characters on a journey to the Kauf Prison and I think because of that the pacing was slower than the first book. Due to the slower pace and less action I felt that we got to know more about the characters. What makes them tick, what motivates them, their reasoning behind actions, and their families. With this the characters felt more real and I grew more attached to them. Getting Helene’s POV was a game changer I loved that we got the chance to understand her internal conflict between her duty as Blood Shrike and her love for Elias. The chemistry between Elias and Laia is just unbeatable and I’m shipping Avitas and Helene I really want them to have their happy endings. Saba Tahir is gifted with how she creates this world and weaves in so many details without coming off as info dumpy. I love how we were getting to know the magic characters possess with them instead of having other characters explain their magic. This book ended with a bang and I’m so excited to see where the story takes us with the next installment to the series.