Review Posted on Marvelous Eden of Books 
 Spoiler Free Review: 
 I honestly did not expect to be as heartbroken as I was when I first started reading this book. The sequel did not disappoint me at all. There was so much more politics, spying, manipulation, betrayal, heartbreak. You were reading in fear that Kestrel would be discovered, Arin killed, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Marie Rutkoski's writing style is absolutely brilliant, she weaves words together so well. "The sky was a feather blanket of clouds, save for one blue hole in the fabric. A blue cloud in a white sky." While reading, I could feel each of the character's emotions, the guilt, anger, and heartbreak. It is so amazing how much of an effect Marie Rutkoski's writing can have on you. 
 Kestrel was still, undoubtedly clever. In the sequel, she became a spy and things got a lot more interesting. There was a lot of double crossing and lies, and I really loved that the sequel had more of a political standard than action. The way Kestrel manages to manipulate and convince people is so brilliant, but at the same time, heart wrenching. "Her fierce creature of a mind: sleek and sharp-clawed and utterly unwilling to be caught." There were things that she would say and decisions she would make that in the moment would make you think, "Can her actions truly be justified?" Honestly, despite all of the regrettable acts she's committed, I think she really deserves redemption. Kestrel had a reason for what she did and you get a sense of understanding to her actions. She is truly a very flawed character which is what makes one of my favorite female heroines. 
 Arin did play a larger political role, now that we saw him more as a Governor rather than a rebel or love interest. For some portion of the book, I pitied him a bit for being rather clueless about certain secrets. That poor dude just needing a nice sitting down to or a letter on an explanation on what was going on with Kestrel. He was rather conflicted the whole book, switching his opinion back and forth. He did infuriate me at times, especially the last scene with Kestrel. (view spoiler)[I MEAN DUDE! HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE HER WARNING? HER FATHER IS LISTENING! *GROANS. (hide spoiler)] 
 As for the pacing of the book, it was actually quite slow in the beginning, but it did speed up and I got so caught up in what was going to happen next I zoomed through it. Really the whole sequel was a build up to the end, but I still very much loved it. Additionally, I actually really loved Prince Verex. I expected him to be this bratty, spoiled prince, which he kind of was. However, he was also so sweet and adorable. His friendship with Kestrel was innocent and it was nice to see a lighthearted friendship in the midst of all the craziness. I really like that he realized a few things about Kestrel, but was still supportive. I really liked the scene where he (view spoiler)[ gave her a puppy. (hide spoiler)] That was so sweet and exactly what Kestrel needed at the time. I really do hope to see a lot more of him in the future. 
 The emperor is absolutely horrendous and I despise him. He was a tyrant, a very clever one, but nonetheless horrible. Although, I never liked Kestrel's father, I did think the little father-daughter moments were very sweet, with the exception of the last scene, of course. It seems like Kestrel wanted her father to be more accepting and he was much better. In spite of that, I still hated a lot of the decisions he took and I don't think I'll ever justify his actions. 
 The ending of this book really hit me hard. It ended in such a heart wrenching ending. I am so excited for the last book and can't wait to see how Kestrel and Arin's story comes to an end. 
 Rating: 4.5/5