Full review: 
 "It was agony and despair and fear. It was joy and laughter and rest. It was life, all of it..." 
 I am in love. This is one of my favorite SJM books ever, not just because of the emotions I felt, but also the astounding character development, diversity, and Sarah's talent for meticulously tying everything together. While I miss Aelin and the gang, Tower of Dawn's 600 something pages make the wait for TOG7 worth it. I'm so happy this became a full novel, and not just a novella. I can't imagine how everything would have fit in a shorter book. 
 What I loved is how Tower of Dawn is so similar, yet so different from the rest of the series. Like A Court of Mist and Fury, it's an entirely character driven book. Unlike Aelin, we don't really know Chaol, Nesryn, or Yrene. We may know how they fit in with other characters, but we don't know the details of their backstories, or the people they are. Tower of Dawn changes this. It's not a story of suffering (looking at you Empire of Storms), but a story of healing. It's about small acts of kindness that can change the course of the future, and how we measure our own worth and importance. It's not only about Chaol's journey to self-acceptance, but also about Nesryn's determination to find peace for herself amongst her people, and Yrene's selflessness and bravery in choosing a path to help others. After all, "You must enter where you fear to tread". 
 While I loved Chaol's arc, Nesryn and Yrene were really what made this book so wonderfully written and engaging. Unlike Aelin, they don't have magical powers, and they aren't immortal or born into a royal family. Instead, they are smart, resourceful, and resilient, finding different kinds of strength. Yrene may not have been trained as an assassin, but she crossed mountains and seas to get to Antica - 
 mostly by herself. But Tower of Dawn shows that it's okay to rely on others, and asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. Like all of Sarah's books, women's relationships are shown in a positive light. The bond between women at the Torre is unbreakable, and even Nesryn and Yrene become friends at the end. I loved how Aelin teaching Yrene how to defend herself, back in Assassin's Blade, proved to be so important. 
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 Sarah's world building in Tower of Dawn, like always, is incredible. The Southern Continent felt like a mix between Mongolia, Africa, and maybe even Spain. It was refreshing to see a ruler that wasn't corrupt, and who truly cared about his people, his family, and the prosperity of the continent. The dynamics of the Khagan's family was interesting, as all of them had very distinct personalities. Hasar had me on edge, but I've decided I really like her. She reminds me of Aelin, and I can't believe they actually contacted each other! I can't wait for her to meet Aelin and Aedion... please keep them safe Sarah. But the diversity! Except Chaol, every character was of a different ethnicity. Women of color are not sidelined, and instead, are written as fierce, passionate, and capable. Sarah also did a great job of portraying disability. As an able bodied person, I cannot say much, but I thought she wrote Chaol's recovery and acceptance of his disability very well. He realizes that using the chair is not a punishment or a prison, and that he is "as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet". 
 Now for the fangirl stuff. I love Chaol and Yrene so much, they have the perfect chemistry together. I love that their relationship didn't feel forced, that they slowly learned to trust each other, and with that, found hope for a better world. Chapter 55 made me cry, to say the least. The part with Aelin and Rowan, Chaol's acceptance and newfound determination to fight, to see Dorian again, and his realization that he has to love himself in order to keep the darkness away, it was beautifully written. And Yrene saying she loves him was what broke me. Chaol has said that to so many people, only to get rejected over and over again. But now he's loved, and he's happy, and that's all I've ever wanted for him. How is it that Sarah writes such amazing Chapter 55s? Also, Nesryn and Sartaq deserve all the happiness in the world. They're going to be Emperor and Empress of the southern continent one day! I will ACTUALLY sell my soul for a spin off. I'm so happy that Nesryn is finally where she belongs, and that she gets to command an army of ruks. Neith's arrow made a name for herself, and I'm so proud. Not to mention, Sartaq is the love of my life. Borte is also amazing, and she reminds me so much of Manon. I really hope they get to meet. I also can't wait for a Falkan and Lysandra reunion. Just the fact that Lysandra has family makes me so happy. Maybe she'll remember her appearance! 
 But I'm also high-key stressed. THAT LAST CHAPTER WAS NOT OKAY. I'm a little more than certain that Maeve is going to make Aelin a valg. "Let's begin"? She was basically telling us. Fenrys, I am counting on you to protect our queen. Rowan, Chaol, Yrene? You'd better get there fast. The thing with the Valg and spiders... just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. Sarah, all my children better be safe. Please. They deserve a happy ending. 
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 Even with this emotional turmoil, I loved Tower of Dawn. It was unexpectedly refreshing, with plenty of amazing new characters and ships. Now, we wait for TOG7. I'm so excited to find out what happens. I hope the golden couch survives!