I absolutely adored that book. So much more than I did EoS. It's probably my favorite SJM book.
I don't understand how people can not love it as much.
There was never a dull moment, I was always eager for more (can't say the same of EoS)

The worldbuilding is absolutely wonderful, I got so attached to some new characters really quickly, and the kakhanate was so interesting !

Yes, the book is relatively slow paced, but that's because it's full of the characters reflecting, introspectng, growing (not "bim bam boum" action, fight, blood like EoS).

The characters were just incredible, they grew so, so much in that book, and it felt real, and both sad and sweet, and earned (which imo isn't something common in SJM books, at least for the MCs. They usually never question themselves and rarely grow past their main defaults (or even consider them)).

This book made me cry so much ! I was bawling on my chair at some parts.
Booksta has lied to me in depicting this as the "lesser" book of the tandem read !

I loved the exploration of the link between physical healing and mental healing.
I felt like Chaol was much more relatable than Aelin ever was in HoF (her equivalent to what ToD is for Chaol). I understood him so much better than I did her, and it felt more real, relatable somehow ?!

The first chapter starts by Chaol reflecting on how his wheelchair is what he hates most, and by the end of the book he doesn't hate it anymore and sees himself as valuable anyway. Nesryn found somewhere where she belongs, where she can make a difference. And Yrene faced her past and empowered herself.

That's arguably more growth than any other character in this series

I also don't agree with the people who say this was Chaol's "redemption arc", because he had nothing to be redeemed for. I was him healing. Also ToD isn't "Chaol's book", it's Yrene & Nesryn & Chaol's book.

Oh and the lore ! So much new lore !