lol where is my review??

I do really love the second half of this book. The first half has Liam and he sort of ruins everything lol But the second half picks up and I really enjoyed seeing the different POVs and especially getting more of a glimpse of the Lower City and George's life. That stuff just intrigues me a lot more. I love plots and assassination attempts and spying and court politics. So the second half really pulled through and made me enjoy this book.

I still get shivers when Alanna and Thayet are introduced at Court and when Alanna gives the Jewel to Jon. And the final battle is so intense and I liked how we went back and forth with the POVs. It read like a movie playing out in my head and it reminded me of why I love this series so much.

Despite how much Jon and Liam suck, everything else does make up for it. I don't buy Jon's "character development" exactly. He does have to grow up pretty fast, especially with the sudden deaths of his parents and his rise to power, but I don't think it excuses his previous behaviour. Liam was just annoying and controlling and rude to Alanna. George is amazing and I will always ship him and Alanna together. I only wish Alanna hadn't pulled a Harry and named her son after Thom. Coram is right there?? And while I get Thom is young and ambitious and stupid, I don't exactly feel sorry for him either. He is her brother though, so I guess it makes sense, and at least she didn't name him Roger lol