Quick Summary Review: 
 Because there are two stories in this book, I will review them separately 
 Kelsea's Story 
 Plot: 7/10 
 Characters: 7/10 
 Uniqueness of the Story: 6/10 
 Writing: 8/10 
 Pace: 5/10 
 Lily's Story 
 Plot: 9/10 
 Characters: 8/10 
 Uniqueness of the Story: 9/10 
 Writing: 8/10 
 Pace: 9/10 
 While I did enjoy Kelsea's continuation from The Queen of the Tearling, the pre-crossing story completely outshone what was currently happening in the world in characters, plot and pacing. Kelsea's story was slow and dragging and often confusing but Lily's was fast-paced and completely enthralling, leaving me biting my nails as I read through her scenes. 
 Honestly, I think this sequel may have been marked 'DNF' if Lily's story was not there. 
 Recommend? If you enjoyed Queen of the Tearling, then yes.