It's book #2, and this series has already captured my heart. I didn't expect it to surpass the previous book, but it exceeded my expectations by A LOT.

From start to finish, it filled me with anguish and suspense. I can't even find the words to express how much I loved it.

Lara was simply amazing in this book. It was everything I had hoped to see from her. She was all action but also carried so much guilt. Her redemption arc was phenomenal. I appreciated how the author handled the challenging situation in Lara and Aren's relationship and that he didn't just forgive her and ignore his people's feelings. And the way she just kept fighting

Spoiler

(and almost died)

for Aren and for her people, even though she knew they didn't want her and held such resentment for her.

I was a little hesitant about the pacing of the book. For a moment, I thought the entire book would only focus on the rescue mission, but I was very wrong. The story kept progressing, and I didn't anticipate a resolution to the war because I had thought the entire series would be from the perspective of Lara and Aren. That being said, the only aspect I didn't enjoy was the ending. It felt too open-ended, leaving me with unanswered questions and a desire for more

Spoiler

(What happened with the sisters? Will they ever meet Lara again? Did Ithicana ever forgive Lara? How long did it take? Did Ithicana's citizens get to live freely?)

. I know there are more books, but since they follow another couple, I feel like I needed an epilogue to give some closure.

Overall, I'm loving the series, and I will absolutely continue with the next books.