(NO SPOILERS AHEAD)

Okay. Now that I've had some time to digest what I had read, I think I'm ready to give a review that will truly share what I thought about this fantastic read.

1.) This book exceeded every expectation I had for a sequel.
2.) It did not fall to the curse of the sequel/second book, in my opinion.
3.) I have no idea how Pierce Brown can top this with his final installment of the trilogy.

So, let's get down to the dirty. This is one bloodydamn good book.

The fact that it starts off three years after the ending of Red Rising adds to the story, and it didn't feel forced like some others can be when trying to lengthen the timeline. By having those three years missing from the beginning of the book, it helps set up the rising action of future events in this book as they happen. As you follow with Darrow down his path towards the plans of the Sons of Ares, you learn what he did during those three years, instead of just being told in exposition. (Basically, Mr. Brown knows how to write a book and keep you interested.) Everything just spans out in a way that could only make sense for Darrow and his friends. I do have to say, some parts were slower to complete but it just added to the tension and frustration that he goes through in the story. He wants to take action, but he keeps being held back, by his own mind and by external forces. But once he can do what is needed, it continues to move the story in a such a way that you have to keep reading to find out what happens. And, finally, all the plans and actions that are taken lead into what can only be the best ending of a sequel.

Now I have to wait a year for Morning Star, and I'm trying not to cry in agony from waiting.

Hats off to you, Mr. Brown. Here's to another expectation stomping, bloodydamn good book to round out this trilogy. Because you have become one of my new favorite authors.

(And if you haven't read this or Red Rising yet, then what the hell are you waiting for?!)