3.5 stars

Okay, so I was right about the Srah J. Maas vibe. This was much better than the first book.

I'm not going to do a long review this time, but here's a quick list of things I liked.

1) The writing was much better this time around. Don't get me wrong, it still needs a ton of work, but there was improvement. I appreciate improvement.

2) There's actually some world-building this time! Yay.

3) Yelena and Valek. These two are so shippable. I couldn't stop squeeing. I may not have liked their lack of foundation, but GOD. Good chemistry. I love their dynamic. But I've already mentioned this.

4) The whole business with the clans. I liked that. T'was a nice touch.

5) Yelena's character. I don't think I mentioned this in my previous review, but I really do like Yelena, even if I dislike her narration. She's tough, but she's not invincible. She's powerful, and capable of many things, but she has her limitations. I LOVE THAT.

6) The plot's still compelling as hell.

And I don't have any major qualms. I just wish the writing was better and that the dialogue wasn't so modern. But that's about it, really.

ON TO THE NEXT ONE.