**Contains some spoilers!** 
 This novel was amazing, BUT there is so much more to this story and I want a sequel really, really bad! The ending was perfect for a first book in a series, not a standalone. I want to know what happens with everyone!!! Laia, Elias, Darin, Helene, Izzi, Cook, Keenan, everyone! I want to know if that world will remain such a ruthless place or if there will be a change for a better. I. Just. Want. More. 
 Now, when that rant is over with I can move onto everything else. I was amazed by the world. It was ruthless and horrible and a bad place for most of the people, but I loved seeing how everyone survived (or some didn't) it. The supernatural creatures were really interesting and it would have been great to see more of them. Another reason why this book needs a sequel (or preferably multiple sequels)! Ok, I went there again... But this world is such a dark place that not once did I imagine the sky as blue, I constantly imagined as dark. That's pretty weird but I kind of loved it. 
 Add amazing characters to that amazing world. None of the characters annoyed me so I very much liked them, even the ones that I wanted to strangle and kick in the ass. I loved how the book really let you know what all the characters are like and they all have different personalities. And wow, the character development! A few of the characters went through some great development, but I can only applaud the development Laia went through. Amazing! *claps hands slowly in silent awe* 
 I saw some of the plot twists coming and some I did not, but I really liked all the turns the story took. It was wonderful to see how Laia very realistically transformed from a scared girl to a young woman who I believe can succeed in everything she does. Elias' story line was super interesting, too, a reluctant soldier looking for his freedom through a competition to choose the next emperor. He was a trained killer and yet he was kind and sick of the world he was living in. 
 This story had some horrible things, first the whole world, then some characters (the Commandant and Marcus for instance) and the Trials. I was so angry at some of the things that happened, but I still liked all of those things because I like to see characters survive harsh conditions. Anyway, the Third Trial was bullshit. I kind of wanted Elias to kill himself just to shove a big middle finger to the Augurs faces! I'm happy that he's alive, but that Trial was horrible and put everyone in an impossible situation. 
 I still need to mention how happy I was to see some glimpses of humanity and kindness from some minor characters. Elias' grandfather seems really harsh, but he really cares about his grandson. (view spoiler)[That couldn't be clearer, especially from the ending! And Dex and Faris smiling and letting Elias escape. I love little things like that! (hide spoiler)] 
 Now I will just hope that there will be an announcement soon telling me that there will be sequels. Please?