When I picked this book up I needed a distraction so badly!!! And it worked. So 4 stars for that. 
 The story kicks off from where the second book in the series Crown of Midnight ends. Now it had been sometime since I read the first 2 parts and for the first few chapters I was struggling to understand what was happening. I had to read a quick summary to place myself in the book. Also this book has multiple stories running in parallel from the point of view of different characters. 
 I will start with Celaena. I was so frustrated with her. Like come on already. Stop mopping and hiding and be the warrior we know your going to become. I felt a lot of this part was dragged. I couldn't connect with her at all. The same with Rowan (new character introduced in this book). Stop being such an a**hole. 
 When the 2 of them sort out their differences that's when I started enjoying their story. I loved how their relationship grew and the fact that the author kept their relationship as friends (soul mates???). There were a few points in their story where I thought it was heading somewhere but this is a YA so there's definitely no casual sex. (view spoiler)[ When she finally masters her powers and the battle scenes were very entertaining to read. Also the ending where she free him from Maeve. (hide spoiler)] I wish there had been more of Maeve though. Celaena reminded me of Daenery's from Game of Thrones. What with the whole take back her kingdom bit. 
 Caelena also thinks of Chaol throughout the book and he not to be left far behind pines for her as well. I think they both realize that things have changed and that they cannot go back to where they were. I want to see what will happen in the next book when they meet. Now back to this story, Chaol is playing a very dangerous game. In order to try and help Dorian and Caelena he starts helping the rebels. His inner war with his principles and his struggle to take a side was portrayed well. 
 We are introduced to Aeidon in this book. Chaol and Aeidon decide to help each other of course both have their own agenda. Aeidon's loyality to Aelin I felt was bordering on extreme devotion. These parts are interesting.(view spoiler)[There's no mistaking that Caelena/Aelin and him are related. Though I think he is far braver and more intelligent compared to her. His sacrifice in the end was commendable considering how much he wanted to meet Aelin. It will also be interesting to see if in the future Rowan and Aeidon clash in their duties to protect her. (hide spoiler)]. 
 Now Dorian is still struggling with his magic and dealing with the strain on his and Chaol's friendship. There wasn't anything in these parts that I felt contributed to the overall story. Also if people are unable to perform magic how is Dorian able to wield his powers??? (view spoiler)[ His relationship with Sorscha was boring as well and I don't see the love or how he missed she was a spy. Though I thought she was a Crochan witch. Now that would have been interesting (hide spoiler)] 
 My favorite parts though were of Manon Blackbeak. The whole time I read these parts I could hear this screeching sound like wind howling in the background. Manon is mean and has no heart. Or so she says. She has a strong sense of discipline, purpose and loyalty. (view spoiler)[ Her choice of mount Abraxos, saving the Blueblood heir shows a change in her persona and it will be interesting to see if her relationship with her grandmother, the High witch of the Yellowlegs will change for the better or worse. (hide spoiler)] I am confused as to how the witches fit into King Adarlan's plans though. And also if the Crochan witches will join the war. 
 And finally we see a glimpse of the King Adarlan. He is all they say he is and more. No wonder everyone is terrified of him. 
 I can't wait to read the next part.