The premise of this was so interesting! As per usual, Kendare Blake is excellent at world building, and fills that world with strong, well-rounded characters. Like her previous series, this one does get a little dark, but it definitely fits the epic YA fantasy realm.

There is an opening at the end for a second book, but the story in this book does wrap up for the most part. My main complaint is that the pacing did feel a little slow at times. I will say that this does fit the tone of the Three Dark Crowns series, and her pacing is just generally slower in fantasy novels.

But, if you're looking for a new epic YA fantasy to delve into that feels a bit like mythology, definitely check this one out!