First read May 25 to June 7. 
 This is a much better book compared to the first one in terms of character development and the balance between romance and plot. While I would say the first book is Kestrel facing challenges to her worldview, the second book is about Kestrel realizing just how perverted that worldview is and choosing who she wants to be in this world; she chooses what she can live with and what others should live with. This is a book of high stakes, more so for Kestrel than anyone else. It's full of deceit and manipulation. But I also felt slavery was handled much more effectively here because the protagonist is now realizing how horrible it can be, especially when lives are directly in her hands. Does it start to encompass the actual horrific consequences of slavery? No. It's a YA series with a heavy focus on romance. But this doesn't make me cringe as much as the last one. 
 The tension in relationships is done exceptionally well here. My heart ached through the whole thing, even though my second read through. That cliffhanger still breaks my heart. 
 4/5 stars.