Individual story ratings are below.

The last three stories felt like the epilogue I wanted en needed in War Storm. I hoped that Broken Throne would give me some closure and it did. These three stories also built upon each other which made the latter half of the book feel more like a book instead of a short story collection.

I really enjoyed the bits and pieces of worldbuilding and history in Julian's research. Almost a shame that it comes after the last book. However, it does glue the stories together quite nicely.

The whole book was printed in purple ink which is fitting to the series. I also liked that the stories had a small symbol at the bottom. It was a nice touch. I also liked that the short stories had chapters. I don't see it very often but it works much better for me.

Queen Song 3 stars
Although Queen Coriane plays a big role in the background of the Red Queen series, I was not that interested in her life except probably the mystery of her death. I had already read this story back around the time it was first published as an ebook and I think I felt similarly back then. But I will always be a sucker for romance so Coriane meeting Tibe for the first time was pretty cute.

Spoiler

I liked how the ending plays on the mystery of her death. It is still unclear what part Elara had but she most likely had something to do with it.

Steel Scars 4 stars
Just like Queen Song, I read Steel Scars a few years ago as an ebook. I think I enjoyed it more this time around because 1) the Julian Research bit before explained codenames, for example, which made the story more understandable whereas it was more confusing before, and 2) I knew more about Farley having read all the books. I did want a bit more scenes of Farley and Shade together as a couple but I will live. The stakes did not feel as high since this story is set just before Red Queen but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

World Behind 3.5 stars
This story is about a Red captain who ferried refugees from Norta and the Lakelands to the Disputed Lands or Montfort. However, the new passenger in this story brings danger with her.

I liked that the short story collection included one that is just set in the world without any characters the reader already knows. I especially enjoyed how this one ended.

Iron Heart 4 stars
The epilogue I needed from Evangeline and Elane!

Spoiler

I really enjoyed this one. It explores Evangeline's life in Montfort after War Storm. I love how she chooses to abdicate in person with her brother and choose to love Elane fully and openly.

Fire Light 4 stars
THis is all I wanted for the end of War Storm.

Spoiler

I love galas. There was still some politics but mostly I just wanted to know what would happen to Cal and Mare about War Storm.

Fare Well 4 stars
This was sad and made me realise the whole Red Queen series is actually quite sad. But as always I love a story that makes me feel emotions.

Spoiler

Shade and Maven (and Elara) all buried on Tuck and just the whole scene of Cal visiting was heartbreaking to me.

I also really liked the pages on the future of all the characters. I am so proud of them, especially Kilorn becoming premier of Montfort. And I wonder if Jon wrote it and that this is the future he sees? His note made me gasp one last time. I do feel his character might have benefitted from a slightly different use but eh, I liked it either way.