I'm conflicted as I rate this book 4.25 stars. I think I've grown spoiled reading the Grishaverse and I take for granted the complexity of it all. The characters are amazing and heartwarming. The world is spectacular and engaging. The plot is interesting. The writing is gorgeous. I think my rating is in relation to other novels in the Grishaverse, not in relation to other novels generally because Bardugo wipes everyone out of the waters. Zoya's backstory was heartbreaking but made her character feel complete. Nikolai and the whole rest of the cast we know are some of my favorite characters of all times. I love a good political intrigue novel, especially when there's magic and religion involved. Such a lovely read.