Well, that was a weird character development... 
 The first thing to say about this book is that it's a bit darker than its prequel. There is a lot of political intrigue and some unexpected violence to our beloved main character. This traumatic event is a catalyst for the character's development and for the main plot. 
 There is war between the 3 countries while they are aware that a big empire might be pulling the strings from the shadows in order to get the land without breaking their treaties. Alliances are made and broken, spies are sent, and manipulations arise. 
 I loved that the characters are not perfect, each one of them has flaws and a complex personality and that makes you care for them. Attolia was an awesome character, despite her barbarity and I loved how it is compared to Eddis. Two very different women in a similar political position but each of them handling matters differently. 
 About the romance, I had read some spoilers without intending to while I was reading a review before starting the book (buuuu :( ) so it may not have come as such a big surprise as to some, but either way I was still struck by it. I mean, even though I was paying attention to the clues, I still feel it was a bit rushed. I would have liked a bit more explanation on their part. It was cute... but weird. 
 Big spoilery rant about the romance: 
 (view spoiler)[ SHE CUT OFF HIS HAND! HE HAS NIGHTMARES ABOUT HER AND IS TERRIFIED OF HER TO THE POINT OF CONSIDERING SUICIDE RATHER THAN BE PUNISHED BY HER AGAIN!!! How the heck that doesn't make him fall out of love?!?!? How can you love someone you are terrified of?!?!?! And what about her, when the hell did she start to love him? She hasn't even had a full conversation with him! When the hell did he become a love interest instead of a "boy". And no, don't tell me it happened when she thought he was poisoned. She hadn't even talked to him for more than a few sentences. 
 At first I thought an interaction between them while he spied on her must have happened. Something like the earrings he left her. Maybe more gifts, or a letter, or something else to make her interested on him. But no, nothing. (hide spoiler)] 
 Don't get me wrong, it was a really cute romance and the ending was heart melting, I just didn't understand it. I'm hoping the next book will provide further insight into it. I want to see Attolia having someone to rely on.