I ended up doing the tandem read with Empire of Storms, and the way they fit together was so perfect. The chapters and the way they lined up and referenced the same events. 

Getting to see so much character growth from Chaol was also amazing, and he's really growing on me. And getting to come full circle and get to know Yrene was so enjoyable. 

I didn't really care to read for this in the beginning, but this story drew me in and kept me there the whole book.