FALSE

This was an improvement over the first book in the series. Ruhn is quickly becoming my favorite character, and his entire suite of bro-friends are pretty much the standouts for me.

That said, I am absolutely tired of hearing about Danika. The use of Danika as a plot device feels very lazy. We’ve known this character for three chapters in the first book, yet anytime a plot point needs to be connected, it’s always “Danika was doing this in secret.” It feels like a shortcut in the storytelling that detracts from the overall experience.

This series falls somewhere between “ACOTAR” and “Throne of Glass” in terms of smut levels (with TOG being the least). While the inclusion of sex scenes doesn’t bother me (people have sex and it’s okay!), in this particular book, it got a bit repetitive. The two main characters seemed unable to move from one place to the next without bumping uglies.

Despite these issues, seeing the broader story being told, especially with how it’s tying into Maas’s other series, makes it all worthwhile. The connections to her other works add depth and excitement, keeping me eagerly turning the pages.

It took me almost a full month to read this and I almost had to DNF at multiple points. Worst reading slump I’ve had since I started reading frequently again a year ago.

I’m giving it four stars (wish I could do 4.5 on this app) and I’m sure some would wonder why considering I had a million times I wanted to chuck it out the window and just be done with it.

Here’s why: that last 20%? It made all of the rest worth it.

I fell in love with most of the characters (and regretted a couple later on) and I admire Bryce’s bravery and commitment to her friends and family. She definitely does some stupid s•••, and acts without thinking, but it seems like she’s the one who always works them out of the sticky situations she gets them in. It is incredibly admirable.

The ending had my jaw dropping and confused as all get out, but I am diving into HOFAS as we speak. I have soooo many questions that I’m hoping it will answer for me.

Albeit the fact that this wasn’t SJM’s best work (I actually didn’t enjoy HOEAB for the first like 80% either.) I can’t wait to see the series grow.

Light it up!