I am unwell. The ending is more than any of us were ready to handle. I’m going to need book three immediately.

Four stars since this felt like it dragged on more than it should have and I’m wondering if some parts were necessary at all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kennedy Ryan for this ARC! I really enjoyed reading Soledad’s story and appreciated the inclusion of bell hooks’ all about love-a book I just recently read for myself. Like most of Ryan’s female protagonists, Soledad was very relatable and her relationship with Judah was both refreshing and inspiring. Can’t wait for Hendrix’s story!

I didn’t know what to expect from this book as I was drawn to the cover and immediately knew I wanted to read it. Now that I’ve finished, I’m glad I did. Such a complex story juggling the plight of the Urban Native American, while trying to contend with the horrors of this country’s oppression towards their ancestors.

Even better the second time around.

The way I devoured this book. I don’t even have a full review…just chef’s kiss.

Original rating: ⭐️ ⭐️
Did we need this book?

New Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Updated review after reread:
Okay, I stand corrected. When I first read this, I was in a ravenous state of wanting to know what happened and didn’t quite understand the “why” behind this book, but after rereading, I get it. As readers and even as humans, we have a strong desire to know “what’s next” and oftentimes live our lives with this sense of urgency that touches everything we do—so much so, it rarely gives us an opportunity to slow down, enjoy life, experience happiness and joy with those who matter most. This book’s goal was to humanize the characters in a way I didn’t see before because of my need to plow through the story to learn the outcomes of the plot and characters’ fates. When people question why I reread things, it’s for this reason alone. It allows me to do a closer read with no urgency or stress so that I can pay more attention to the characters and the emotions/messages they convey to the reader.

A 3.5.

I was going to rate this book higher, but can’t bring myself to do it.

I’m glad we finally got more of Nesta and Cassian, although, the sex scenes were a little overkill.

Another part of me wonders if I would have enjoyed the overall series better if it was told from every character’s perspective—think GoT. There were some gaps in the overall plot and the ending was entirely too rushed.

I did enjoy the. Valkyrie reference though and the friendship bonding that came out of it as each character used it as a means to address their trauma.

I’m guessing the next book gives us more Elain and Azriel and concludes the overall conflict, although, I’m not sure I need sex scenes with those characters.