I know, I know, it seems like just another five-star review from an obsessed Sarah J. Maas fan. But: 
 "It was like waking up or being born or falling out of the sky. It was an answer and a song, and she could not think or feel fast enough." 
 I love the way Chaol's disability was handled, although I know there have been accusations that his character has been "ruined" and "ripped apart". Personally, I disagree wholeheartedly. His frustration, resentment, resignation ... it was handled with breathtaking acuteness. And the love interest, yes, I know, people are also saying Yrene and he fell in love at first sight and that bullshit, but it honestly did take the most of the book for them to actually kiss, hence the quote above. 
 Also, to confess, even though I loved Empire of Storms, after reading the ACOWAR series, my view and appreciation toward her deteriorated. I found her writing irritating, her obsession with pointing out beauty revolting, the constant love scenes cringe-worthy, and the just the plain fact that her characters were flawless Mary Sues. 
 "Their bodies were lithe and young, the peak of youth and virility. Hips rolled, backs arched, hands twined in the air above them as they began to weave around one another in circles and lines. 
 "I told you," was all Yrene muttered to him. 
 "I think Dorian would enjoy this," he muttered back." 
 But after reading this book... yes, you may consider Yrene a Mary Sue if looking at her in a general perspective. But she did have flaws, and she did get angry, and she did goad Chaol into fights when she was in a mood. Although there were some adorable moments. 
 "Using the chair is not a punishment. It is not a prison,' he said softly. 'It never was. And I am as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet.' He brushed away the tear that slipped down her cheek. 
 'I wanted to heal you,' she breathed. 
 'You did,' he said, smiling. 'Yrene, in every way that truly matters . . . You did.' 
 Chaol wiped away the other tears that fell, brushing a kiss to her hot cheek." 
 To be fair, I went into this expecting a solid three stars, and as I went on, four stars. It was good, some parts dragged on, though that may have been my lack of caring or attention due to ACOWAR. I did my best not to skim over Nesryn and Sartaq, tried to read the conversations between the royal family and politics that were boring. 
 But as the book went on, I became immersed. I don't know what it was, but Mrs. Maas created the perfect suspense scenes. I was shivering while I read about Yrene in the library. I can't even emphasize how much I loved getting scared while reading this. It was built up exactly right, to the point where I could picture it perfectly. 
 And it was completely unpredictable. I actually was shocked right out of my mind during the book. I can't even tell you how awestruck I remembered Yrene from Assassin's Blade and knew that the stranger that had given her that note was Aelin. Well, hell. Sarah J. Maas blew me away. The stories tie in gorgeously, in subtle ways, and you don't even realize all the little hints until everything has been revealed. I wouldn't have said it just yesterday, but Sarah J. Maas is truly a brilliant author, despite the creepy "manhood" mentions and the constant beauty descriptions. 
 Just to add that I never liked Chaol. I didn't even want to read this until someone convinced me. I mean, sure, it's a part of my favorite series, but I just wasn't feeling it for Sarah J. Maas's books. Why would I read another book with the annoying writing and the obsessive physical details? But I fell in love, I can't help it. This book just whipped out so many things I am swept away. This built-up war had better be as amazing and bloody as it's supposed to be. 
 I just can't even tell you how much I loved it. It's a definite five-star read. 
 "I will cherish it always. 
 No matter what may befall the world. 
 No matter the oceans, or mountains, or forests in the way."