I would have liked if there was a previous exposition of how we left the first book. I wouldn't have minded going back to re-read the first one, but alas, I am living far away from home and my copy is awaiting me there, far away from my eyes. 
 I was very lost at the start. 
 It made my head hurt trying to figure out where we left it with the first book. Most times I was asking myself who was that secondary character and if I should care about them. 
 Does it make me worried that I hardly remember at all the first book? 
 Well, don't worry, because I devoured the first book as I did with the second. The start was a bit slow, but once it started, I was all on board. 
 BE AWARE! 
 MINOR SPOILERS! 
 Cas and Em were adorable together. Aren makes my heart flutter (sorry, I don't dig him with that warrior, maybe because I don't recall her at all from the first book and so I don't have any attachment at all). Violet could also be my best friend and Galo keeps being a cutie who I don't want him to die ever. And Olivia... Adored her in every scene, she's fascinating (I hate her, but I love her, it's weird) and I even like her more while she is in a classic Archer rampage (please, tell me you got that reference). And that first/last meeting with King Lucio! God, I would kill to see everybody's expressions. Even I was intrigued by Augusto and his character arc. I kinda wish we stayed more in the battle of Olso (that I keep pronouncing Oslo in my head) because I'm a bit like Liv, I like gore. 
 Nonetheless, it felt all a bit weak. I don't know, maybe I wanted something stronger from the writing style, or the characters, or maybe the plot, but I needed something to take my breath away and I didn't found in this second book. I was expecting a big reveal at the end, a big surprise or battle. Maybe someone dying? (not Galo, please, I'm not TOO much of a masochist). Maybe a more surprising betrayal? (yep, August is not that inconspicuous as he believes to be). Maybe more drama..? 
 I sure liked the sibling relationship, don't get me wrong, and even more the friendship one, even the duty to your country, but overall... I needed more. 
 And I hope the third book (maybe the last of a trilogy?) provides exactly that force.