** spoiler alert ** 
 4.5 stars 
 The ending OH MY GOD. I can't believe we have to wait until 2018 for the 3rd book! 
 I have to admit, Helene is my favorite character. She's strong and determined, and often ruthless, but she is still human and her emotions often get the best of her. Overall, she is a badass female character who is independent and dynamic. 
 I also love that Laia has gone through some serious character development. In Ember in the Ashes, she started off as a frightened girl who was unsure of her place in the Empire. Now, she is strong and brave, willing to do anything to save her brother, which she succeeds in. 
 The one thing I didn't really like was the whole Keenan thing. I've never liked him much, and the Laia and Keenan romance seemed rushed and unnecessary. I would have preferred them just as friends. But obviously, that's out of the question thanks to that MAJOR, TOTALLY UNEXPECTED plot twist. I did not see that coming. 
 Elias's character development was also interesting. It was agony, knowing that he was most likely going to die. Even so, he knew that before he died he at least wanted to be useful, and do some good for someone he cared about. He's a mask, but that doesn't stop him from being such a fiercely loyal friend and companion to so many people. He saved Hel, even though she was supposed to kill him, he befriended the scholar boy Tas, and helped Laia rescue Darin. I love Elias sooo much. His choice to become the soul catcher to set Shaeva free was incredibly selfless, and took a whole lot of courage. I admit, the hopeless romantic in me was hoping for a Laia and Elias romance. They would be perfect together. But since that can't happen, I'm curious to see what new characters Tahir will introduce. 
 Not to mention, Izzi's death destroyed me! She did NOT deserve to die. I repeat, she did not deserve it. It was definitely the saddest part of the book. 
 Overall, I'm loving this series. I have laughed, cried, stayed up at ungodly hours reading, you name it. Great job Sabaa Tahir, I'm excited to see what the rest of the series will bring! <3