Oh man, I didn't think I could love Gen more than I did after the first book, but I was totally wrong. As with its predecessor, what I really loved most about the book was the historical/fantasy setting, the plot that revolved around a sarcastic but loyal liar and thief, and a satisfying ending that nonetheless leaves room for a sequel. 

Specific to this book, I absolutely adored the interactions between Gen and Eddis — can we normalize close platonic heterosexual relationships? please and thank you — and between Eddis and Attolia. (Also, I appreciate the symbolic and storytelling value of recognizing rulers by their country's name! Not only does it demonstrate how much duty overpowers their personal desires and beliefs, it makes it easier to keep track of who's who. I must admit, the politics underlying this book weren't all that engaging for me — it's probably most of why my rating isn't a 5 — but the plot did flow/tie everything together nicely.) Reluctant love confessions always get me, and I am so glad that there's hope for these characters to have a happy ending after all they've been through.