For some reason, I liked this so much better than the first one. I think the plot was more interesting, and we finally get some development of over characters such as Jasimir. 

There is a plot twist right out of the gate with this one, and I was actually pretty surprised (despite the title). This book definitely took a turn from the original where Fie is just running from her enemies. This one follows Fie and Jasimir as they hide out in the royal palace. Therefore, we get some court intrigue and spy like plots. It's so much more interesting and I wanted to read this book so much more than the first. 

I found Jasimir so so boring in the first book and really thought that they were a 2D character. They acted mostly the same throughout and didn't seem to change with their trials. However in this one, you really see him develop and really understand him. He becomes so much more of an interesting character and I really began to like him. Fie, of course, is such an amazing MC. You see her go through all of these trials, which actively learning and growing and remaining strong. 

Surprisingly, the lore and world-building just keep growing in this book. I think we really needed it, and the author delivered. This world and magic system is so unique in general, especially in regards to the caste system. We had another HUGE plot twist at the end, and I could not out the book down. It really was a satisfying ending (which I was not expecting) and generally really loved. This is definitely one of my favorite duologies.