Things just got interesting. Our main characters have all gone their separate ways, but since none of them are dead yet, there is still hope. The false queen, Ines, is growing in power and gaining more followers and realms. Henri escapes and goes to Queen Eydis, in one of the few realms that hasn't fallen to Ines. Bleak makes her way to Oremere, a land which does in fact still exist, where she finds an ally in a teerah panther and several rebels, long believed to be dead. Her backstory and identity finally begins to be told. She is starting to grow on me a little. I might actually like her by book three. No promises though. Fiore proves himself to be as good as we had hoped, while Commander Swinton has some difficult choices to make about loyalty. Unfortunately, he is still making more bad choices than good ones, but we do begin to understand why. Princess Olena and Dash continue to be darling, although they are apart for the entire story (so sad). Her friendship with her betrothed is unique and really great, although some of that has to do with the remarkable person Olena is. I really dislike Henri and Athene's relationship - my gut feeling is that it is toxic, but we will see how that plays out.

The magic system is really fascinating as is the old Oremerian government structure. It's interesting how any government has blind spots, and in Oremere's case, the blind spot seems to have been the weight they gave to the visions of their religious priestesses. By the end of the book, kingdoms have chosen their alliances and war seems certain. But while the story has been filled with surprise after surprise, the ending might introduce the biggest game-changer.

I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly. ( )