This was unbelievable. I'm still a little shaken. You are massively missing out if you're not tuned in for this series yet. Our favorite characters have come a long way, & their relationships with one another take complex turns. It was joyous to read about more characters coming together. I was pleased to see the return of Ansel of Briarcliff as well as Captain Rolfe (whose tattooed map was reminiscent of the Marauder's Map). Lysandra was spectacular as usual. She had my heart in the battle at Skull's Bay. Rowan and Aedion held down the fort rather adroitly. The narrative was delightfully self-aware as we journey with our ever-fiery and undaunted heroine and her profound companions. I was rooting for the Thirteen, and was satisfied with where we leave off with Asterin a the end. I was worried about Manon's second, whose loyalty I've found compelling since Heir of Fire. Many reunions occur in this installment. It was an effort not to cry when Aelin spoke of Marion's sacrifice when she and Elide cross paths in the Stone Marshes. I won't deny that I want Aedion and Gavriel to eventually be on wonderful terms. The reveal of Elena's involvement in Aelin's dealings, the depth of which was unfathomable, left me in awe. The closing was stunning. To think, where Aelin was at the start of Throne of Glass and how far she's come since then... so much came full circle, and it's not yet the last stand. This volume contained some of Sarah J. Maas's best prose. I have no doubt that all those who are following Aelin Galathynius's story will never be the same by the time this epic fantasy wraps up. I'm not ready to say good-bye to this world and these characters, but I will surely take this story with me wherever I go.