4.75/5 maybe 5/5 cus the things I was eh on don't really bother me a whole lot. But my heart is like maybe 4.5 at the same time. It is in that range. The more I think, the more I change my mind. 
 I have raised my rating of this one because I haven't stopped thinking about it. I have come up with so many theories and I just want to talk about it. That means I loved it more than I thought I did. It also means that I loved it a lot. Lia is one of my favorite protagonists I have decided. While she does some things that annoy me (very little), I love her sass. She has so many characteristics that I love. She is smart, brave, caring, and fights back. However, she is also flawed. I just really enjoy her character. I love the details in this world, the histories and the faith. I also loved the differences we have seen between the kingdoms: the mannerisms, clothing, and the way they look in my head. There was so much tension in this book, and AH. The people of this world are also so interesting. Overall, this was such a solid book. The only reason this wasn't a 5 was mostly the Pauline chapters. There were not a lot of them, and I felt like we either should have gotten more or none at all. THE BETRAYALS. I feel like I need to just reread everything. Knowing what I know. The Komizar. So evil. It was amazing. 
 Okay, the triangle (though is it cus right now she all about the Rafe). Here is my deal: Rafe is usually everything that I love. He is the tall, dark-haired, a little deceptive, mysterious guy. I was Team Rafe (though I am never really that hardcore of a Team person--usually I am down with whoever the protagonist wants to be with) the majority of book one, but then something starting rubbing me the wrong way. He was so sure of what Lia thought and felt for him. So sure that she would be his Queen. It felt like entitlement to me. Now, WE knew she was all !!!! , but he didn't. Not until she confirmed it. Their relationship started to feel weird after that. And then it was little things like returning to places and him promising he would, but also not planning on it. I just didn't know. (BRIEF NOTE THO: HIS GROUP OF SOLDIER MEN ARE MY FAVE LIKE AH MY HEART I LOVE THEM AND THEY MADE HIM A LITTLE BETTER IN MY EYES) I did like how he did put Lia first. Always. It was always for Lia. They were all about each other which is why I think there relationship will stand for now... As we have seen with Pauline and such, love may not last. i'm so yes and no about him. I have conflicting feelings on Rafe. Example: I am thinking again and I am like, "nah I really like Rafe" But then I am like, "Do you?" It is a cycle. Now, on to my baby Kaden. I love Kaden. Ima be real, I was not about the Kaden at first, but boy oh boy. HE IS MY SUMMER CHILD AND I JUST REALLY LOVE HIM! Now, his whole love thing was also, like,...okay. He was so blinded by his loyalty, and that added a lot to his character which I enjoyed. Obviously, bringing her to a place where she obvs would be in danger to this powerful, cruel Komizar is not the right choice and will not gain you any affections. Esp after the whole "I was sent to kill you and i deceived you" thing. That was dumb. However, I liked watching his development. He is more complex than Rafe which is maybe why I favor him a bit more. Idk if she will end up with him, but just know Kaden forever has a place in my heart. Actually, I doubt she will. I hope Kaden ends up happy though. That little honey blossom needs some happy. That being said I like Rafe. I do. If that is endgame or neither, I really wouldn't care. Whatever floats Lia's boat. She is fierce, and she don't need a man. 
 (view spoiler)[ okay, I think the baby in his vision was Pauline's. Idk what is gonna go down, but that makes sense to me. I really don't know what to think of the whole thing but I have a feeling it gon be epic. Maybe Pauline and Kaden will be a thing? Oooh maybe but like I feel like she gonna die (hide spoiler)] 
 There were so many interesting side characters too, and so many cool plot things happening. THIS BOOK WAS JUST REALLY GOOD.