Yarvi's plans are still deeply cunning and go way beyond expectations. By the way, lack of romance on the first book, Half The World made up through it. Even though the two main characters has complete opposite personalities, it was still delivered well. 
 "Each of you has strengths the other lacks, weaknesses the other makes up for. It's a fine thing, a rare thing, to find someone who...makes you whole." -Father Yarvi 
 I love the characters' growth, they are still the same characters you read from the first up to the last chapter but they become matured and developed. It's well-written and constructed. 
 War is coming, and the pieces are all set, the tide favors the Gettlanders. What will the Golden queen and his ruthlessly cunning son's next schemes against the High King and his alliance? Will King Uthil finally took command instead of being a puppet of his queen and minister? What will happen to Brand and Thorn? STEEL WILL BE THE ANSWER. Half a War is next.