I'm loving this series! This one is definitely slower than the first, and parts were boring, but I love the complexity of the characters. Alina is great, as always, although I think the narrative spent a little too much time on her conflict between Mal and the Darkling. I'm conflicted on Mal. I loved him in Shadow and Bone, but in this book he seemed both jealous and overprotective of Alina. It's because he's both afraid, and envious of her power and relationship with the Darkling. I want them to be just friends, but I suspect that their relationship will suffer a permanent fallout at the end of the series. They're giving me Chaol and Celaena vibes from Throne of Glass. Also, there's a part of me that still likes the Darkling. Despite the fact that he's a villain, he's one of the best written villains I've ever read. It was power that corrupted him, which could very well happen to Alina. I hope he is redeemed. Not to mention, Nikolai (aka puppy) is my favorite. He's sarcastic, funny, and loyal, despite his role as Sturmhond in the beginning. I really hope he's okay! Overall, I liked it. I'm still stressed about the ending (I don't think Alina can lose her powers, but it's still a possibility that she might go insane or something). Can't wait to read Ruin and Rising!!