Uhm. Excuse me. You're all fired. Why did no one tell me that this book doesn't actually stand on its own? 
 I knew this was part of a series--I think duology is the plan--but there's a twist in the conflict that's introduced at almost the very last second that sort of ruined the end for me. 
 Okay, I say "ruined" and gave this four stars. I don't actually mean ruined. But there's something terrible about having so few pages let and knowing things won't get wrapped up in time AND THEN knowing you have to wait a year for more. 
 Listen. I'm in. I'm so in. You didn't need to dangle me over the cliff with that ending. I would've been in for book 2 regardless. But ah! Frustration. (And not necessarily in a good way?) 
 But I will say this--wow, Bardugo has grown as a writer. You can see it in the Grisha Trilogy, but it really stuck out at me here. Things are much more complex, the characters have some great depth, and she managed to juggle the multiple perspectives really well. And I really love ensemble casts, so that just added to the awesome. 
 This book is really good, you guys. Really. Not perfect. Not five star "throw across the room it's so good". But still, really really good. And fun. And TWISTED at times. Oh Kaz, my darling murderous child. I adore you. And everybody, really. Every member of the main cast is so great. They all have their strengths and complexities and it was a really fun ride. Also, (view spoiler)[can Jesper and Wylan kiss, plzkthx? I really want to go find some fanfic, tbh. (hide spoiler)] 
 Anyway. Definitely recommended. Especially if you read the Grisha books. But just know going in that you're going to be mad about that unresolved ending. (Also, whoever designed the book deserves a raise immediately. The black edged pages are so stunning I wanted to cry a little, especially with the all-black section breaks. Swoons~)