I would really give this book 4.5 stars, but I really wanted to give it 5. However, there were a few things I couldn't get past, so I had to reduce it by a star. First, let me start off by saying that there are not enough compliments I could give this book and this series in general. Ms. Bartol is a wonderful author, and always provides a great, thrill ride story. I feel like I am right there with Evie on every problem, every emotion, and every pivotal moment. This is not something that is easily accomplished, and I applaud Ms. Bartol for making me fall in love with Evie, Reed, Zee, Buns, Brownie, and even Russel (I'll get to Breenus later). 
 This book starts right where the last one left off. I adored every scene between Evie and Reed, and longed for so much more. This leads me to my first complaint, Reed's absence. I know that (view spoiler)[Evie left for the sake of protecting Reed, but I felt this was a little too New Moonish. One of the things that I loved in the first book was the interaction between Evie and Reed, and their love for each other, but with his absence, I kept looking ahead for any pages with Reed's name, and boy did I get my wish toward the end (hide spoiler)]. 
 The next thing I had a major problem with was the written accents (this was also my problem with the last book). I understand that an author wants a certain amount of authenticity in a story, and one way to do this is by writing in the accent of the character. But, after a while it gets extremely annoying. I don't personally know anyone with a strong Southern or Irish accent; however, I cannot imagine they talk like they do in this book. Since I have such a problem with this, I did not really like the entire section from Russel's POV. On top of that, I already know how he feels about Evie, so I didn't need to read any more about it. Plus, I honestly love reading Evie's perspective on things (if anything, I want to read something from Reed's perspective just because I love Reed so much haha). I also didn't really care for the storyline during this part. This also leads to the whole Gancanagh part because it was very difficult to read the Irish accents. I'm a pretty fast reader, and I had to seriously slow down just to understand what they were saying. 
 I did like the part where (view spoiler)[Evie gets captured by the Gacanagh. Evie really showed her strength and kick-butt nature in this part (I really loved the fight scene because it shows how far Evie has come in just one book). However, the part I didn't like was the introduction of Breenus. I know that Evie doesn't return his feelings, in fact she says it several times throughout the rest of the book, but I don't like that there can be the possibility of a love square (or would that be love rectangle). I would have rather Ms. Bartol introduce Breenus as a villain and only a villain, rather than a potential love interest. I'm still fully Team Reed, and hope Evie stays that way as well. However, if she ever gets turned, then there is absolutely no possibility of her having a relationship with Reed, and that is just depressing in so many ways- unless Reed turns too. All I can hope for is that something happens to prevent Evie from turning. While I loved the introduction of this new species, I also hope that Evie never turns because then I think this series might become too weird for me (hide spoiler)]. 
 On to the ending.... Ms. Bartol definitely does not disappoint. After (view spoiler)[Alfred dies, and Evie escapes Breenus (hide spoiler)], the story really picks up. Despite what Evie herself thinks, I think she was incredibly brave and strong. To go through what she went through would break the average person, but she was determined to get back to Reed. When Evie went to Dominion, I was glad she had some of her humor back, and preserved like the tough girl we know she is. I definitely don't think that Evie deserves any comparisons to Bella Swan because where Bella was kind of whiny (I am a Twilight fan mind you), Evie keeps on going, and never gives up. When (view spoiler)[Evie and Reed are reunited, and they participate in the bonding ceremony (hide spoiler)], I just about cried. I thought it was such a beautiful scene, and was extremely well written. It is one of my favorite scenes ever-which is saying a lot. 
 I highly recommend this book to fans of the first book. I am so happy that I found this series, and believe that this series should be receiving much more attention than it is. For now though, this can stay an indie gem that we all love, and cherish. For people that haven't read the first one...go to Amazon and get it this instant. You are missing a great series, and will quickly devour it in one sitting.