4.5 stars. 
 Let's see if I can make it through this post without going totally crazy by what I just read. The world, the plot--it's amazing! The entire idea of a world that is completely engulfed in war simply because of one's own blood is insane. Mare's journey through the world of Silvers is not only filled with war, but also deceit, betrayal, jealousy, grandeur, and so much more. Every moment is intense and on the edge of something bigger than Mare's own problem to fit in. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping you on the edge until the very last second. The curveballs that are thrown at you are extreme and shocking. 
 The characters...are all over the place. I was seriously rooting for some characters, while others I couldn't care less about. Mare was extremely back and forth with me, mostly because her own feelings are extremely back and forth within seconds. I completely understand, with all that she was put through, but there are certain instances where her disgust and then immediate love just don't make sense. I didn't know who to trust or who to believe, even though I seriously thought I had it pegged at one point. The two princes, Cal and Maven are really interesting characters. There is so much more to them than you would expect. 
 Overall, I was actually very upset by how things turned out. I was so invested in certain characters and certain aspects of the story that my heart was totally crushed. I loved this book, don't get me wrong. I was just super, super sad by the ending. BUT that means I will just have to read the next book, with hopes for my dream ending.