I VERY rarely give a second book five stars. I promise you this was worth every star. When I start describing this book to people they look at me like I'm crazy. Grisha? Shadow Fold? Volcra? Wtf? But Leigh Bardugo is on her way to becoming one of my top/favorite authors from this series. Even the mini-series / folk tales that fall between the books are amazing which is rare for me to enjoy! 
 In the first book Alina discovered the powers that lied within her. She learned how many people were looking to her for hope to ending the shadow fold and overcoming the darkness. She learned of true evil in the world and started questioning everything and everyone she knew in life. Who was on her side and who would be against her? 
 Alina and Mal have escaped from the darkling this book, but how long will they remain hidden and safe?? (view spoiler)[Not long at all ha (hide spoiler)] I want to go into so much more detail about this book without spoiling it for everyone but it's so hard haha. They've teamed up with an ally that you'd least expect to fight the darkling and gain control of their kingdom again and hopefully save Ravka. 
 (view spoiler)[Random thoughts while reading the end... 
 Heart stopped when Mal was fighting and kissed Zoya. That bitch. Though isn't Alina just as bad? She can't make up her mind over who or what she wants. Poor Mal is just getting pulled around on a damn string because she won't be upfront with him or herself. 
 Alina seeing the Darkling is creepy and scary. Something deep in her mind that she does care for him despite knowing how evil he is? Then when you find out it WAS him coming to her! I mean how far does his power run?! The guilt that was probably playing in poor Alina's mind. She's being so manipulated by this asshole. I hope that deep underground in the tombs that he can't reach out to her. 
 Tolya and Tamar coming in with the sun soldiers army. BOO YAH! 
 Omg poor Genya. I want to say she didn't deserve that but then....She should've left when Alina offered her safety. 
 OMG SHE TOOK CONTROL OF THE DARKLING! You have no power. Run bitch run. Alina is the one in control. (hide spoiler)]