There I was, at 4:00 AM, laughing, crying, grinning. No experience is akin to reading a good book. There are some characters who I would do anything for them to be really, truly happy, and this book had that.
This is a good, well rounded book (although it does get a tinesy bit slow at times but that’s likely just my taste). Five stars no question, it’s just an objectively good book. I love Katsa, she’s such a strong, good character, but still with flaws. She would win the Hunger Games if she was in them. Also, what’s it with love interests and some kind of tattoo-like markings? First Will, now Po? The romance here is so good, so nontoxic but still makes me feel something. I love it. Genuinely wish I had that kind of connection with someone. This book reminds me of Legend in how jealous I was of the protagonists. I think this book falls into the traveling trope, and I enjoyed Katsa’s process of self-discovery along the way. And her banter with Po is just great, I laughed out loud a few times.

On the ending:

As much as it pains me to say, I understand why Kristin chose to have Po lose his eyesight, it was to give him a struggle, an obstacle to a happy ending (although in my opinion getting accustomed to his Grace would’ve been enough for that). It just makes me so sad that he’ll never see beauty the same again.