How can I review this book? I am completely shattered and heartbroken and in love with it. The difference between book 1 and 2 of this series is definitely substantial. Sarah J Maas has become one of my favorite authors just from this book alone. Her characters are so deep and intense and multifaceted. She is able to capture and describe their emotions so well that I can feel with them. The plot line completely captured me and just got more and more interesting as the story progressed. I felt real pain, joy, and sorrow from this book. The feelings were very intense and could switch instantly. The plot was full of twists and turns the whole way. By the end I was sniffling at times and others I was yelling and even cursing at this book. (My husband kept asking if I was okay.... and I had to tell him NO I was not).

Many times we see a fairy tale with a fairy tale ending... but never get to see the after effects of what the characters had been through. In this book SJM shows a very real depiction of how things don't go back to easy perfection after someone has suffered such an ordeal.

The love between Feyre and Rhys felt so real and not YA or silly or over the top. The progression seemed natural and when Rhys told her the story of how he knew she was his mate and did so many things to try and protect her... it broke my heart. He is the strongest and most feeling character in this story. What he did to protect his loved ones is beyond imagination. And his respect for those around him, the way he treated Feyre and his inner circle and even his people as equals was amazing to read. We need more Rhysand in our lives!

How oh how can I wait so many months for the next one? What else will you do to tear me apart SJM??