Every time I start to wonder if this book/series is poorly written, I turn the page and another batshit crazy twist happens and I forget entirely any qualms I have. I don't think I've ever read a series with a more breakneck pace. There is almost no time to let events sink in - there's always some new twist, or betrayal, or battle, or fascinating world building set-piece that I was always invested and interested, if not a little exhausted by the end. As my brother in law said, "I'm not sure if it's good, but it sure is fun." ( )

I like the universe this series is set in and I like Darrow's story. I liked but didn't love the first book in the series and this one was supposed to be even better. Most people think so.
In a way, it is a better book than the first one. There is less world-building (which I loved) and more action (better than in the last book, but still boring).
But, I didn't enjoy reading it. It felt like a chore and I was so happy when I finished. I even considered DNFing it. Things got old really quickly and although there is a lot going on, it is just a drag altogether. There is something about the style that just doesn't vibe with me. The book has too many twists and too many unimportant characters which makes it somewhat superficial. I didn't care about the characters, Darrow's plot armor is thick enough to get him through anything. And the relationships are boring. The setting is still great though, but it is not enough on its own.
I did like Sevro, he is my favourite character in the series.

It didn't help that I decided to get this in Croatian translation, which was horrible, but I switched back to the original after a few chapters. However, nothing helped to improve the impression. 2.5 stars rounded up.

( )

HIGHLY pissed at the cliffhanger ending. It'll get a better rating after book 3 (2016?) is released.
Updated rating to reflect end of series (thus, no more cliffhangers) ( )

Amazing! There are so many twists in the last half of the book. Oh my goodness. ( )

The second book in the continuing story of Darrow and his many friends and enemies. It's often hard to tell which is which for Darrow and you feel his sadness as they move back and forth or die altogether. Each book is a level up from the last in this series and each ending seems to one up the last. This book deserves all the praise it's gotten. ( )