I loved this book. It had everything I wanted: action, intrigue, secrets, BAMFs, love triangles... 
 Wait. 
 Hold up. 
 A love triangle I actually enjoyed????? 
 Say it ain't so. 
 But it is. Because there was just something so compelling about the romantic forces at play in this book. There was no clear and decisive preference in my opinion. Which never happens to me. I always can firmly choose a team to side with. And in this book, I didn't want to. 
 Sighs happily. How refreshing. 
 Besides all that, Celaena is a fantastic character in her own right. And I am absolutely itching to get more of her backstory. 
 The supporting cast of characters are also wonderful in their own right. I'm particularly partial to Nehemia. 
 Maas does a brilliant job of teasing out tidbits of information about the world. It feels like jumping into a fully realized universe, despite how much there still is to know. 
 I was enthralled with the tale, despite its flaws. I cannot wait to get my hands on both the prequel and the sequel. (Especially with book 3 on its way!) Definitely recommended!