Reread June 2023: The way this book rips out my heart every time.

Reread June 2022: Oh you know, just crying again when Rowan shouts, WHERE IS MY WIFE.

Reread October 2020: WHY DO I SUBJECT MYSELF TO SUCH PAIN. But oh how I love this book. Really enjoying my reread!

Note: Review totally contains spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.

I HAVE TOO MANY FEELINGS OVER THIS.
So you should join me in the comments to rattle the stars over this.

I stormed down the stairs after finishing this book *again* to exclaim my horror that AELIN IS IN AN IRON COFFIN. I mean, Maeve, come on now hunny, WHY WHY WHY. Imma come take you down my self when I figure out a way to literally go into a book world.

And my heart just BREAKS FOR ROWAN. His mate y'all. And she leaves, never expecting to return to Terrasen!??? Someone has to agree with me that there is no way Aelin, or Rowan dies right? The *dies* but *lives* stunt was pulled in her other series already so I'm thinking there must be a loophole to Elena's problems. Seriously a case of "sounds like a personal problem". *sighs*

Speaking of loopholes, HOLLIN. Did you forget Hollin? Because I did. Now I'm thinking he has to play a role somehow. At least I hope so. 

I am thinking that Dorian might be the real sacrifice. I haven't decided how I feel about this fact, but that's where my inkling is leading me. He's been darker since the Valg invasion, so I think this plays a part. Thoughts? The Gods are hell-bent on ruining someone's life, why can't we ruin there's instead?

I'm also alllll over side characters in this book. Fenrys, he needs a hug. And someone to break him from that stupid blood-oath. His snarky, sassy self should get the freedom he deserves. I am seeing a Garvriel-saves-son-through-sacrifice as well. Someone's gotta die. I'm just hoping it's a sideish characters that won't make me through a book across the room (thanks, Divergent series).

Also, totally in love with where Aedion and Lysandra are going. And Dorian and Manon. Okay, I secretly always hope that everyone gets a happy ending. Can't help it. I need everyone to be happy so I'm happy. I hope they aren't mates though. *side story*: I hope that NOBODY else has a mate. Perfectly content with others getting together/being in love/blah blah blah, but the mate thing is supposed to be rare. Rowan and Aelin have that, let's let them have that.

Though now that I'm saying it, Lorcan should be Elide's mate, IF ANYONE is going to have one. Lorcan's character arc is still framing itself and I think needs a touch of Annieth, to bring him fully around. He's already agreed to help in the end after BREAKING DOWN IN TEARS. He's my favorite evil, broken soul. Elide is so strong and capable of doing more than she's been allowed, and I appreciate so much she gets the opportunity to con, lie, and stand up for herself.

I do miss Dorian a bit in this book. I felt his part wasn't really in here. This is making me thing he's going to play a much bigger role in KoA. He's on his own adventure with Manon now, so anything can happen at this point.

SJM ups the ante in her love scenes with this book. Definitely along ACOMAF lines. While I'm always pushing for a couple to finally come together, these scenes can definitely be a bit much. I prefer gloss-over/only slightly detailed scenes. Don't let this deter you! You can easily skip them and not miss the story itself at all.

Language, and violence of course. VIOLENCE THAT WILL BREAK YOUR SOUL.