I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book in the nightshade series. I still have yet to finish the final two nightshade books. I hated Shay so much I did not want to continue. 
 Worrying that this book would be burdened with the same lackluster? annoying?, Can't find the right insult, hero I proceeded with caution when picking this book up. 
 Came across a few things that bugged me. Still really enjoyed most of the characters/world/story so it's getting 4 stars. 
 Some things that impressed me: 
 The supernatural critters that this author writes about astound me. They are dark & edgy. Whenever one comes on the scene my mind perks with interest. 
 The writing was better thought out than a child's book report. Always a bonus. 
 Barrow Hess. We get very little background on his character, but I assume this will be a trilogy. I shall let the author slide. Just this once! We better learn more about this illustrious warrior. 
 The setting, highlands Scotland. Nuff said. 
 The pacing of the story was consistent. I hate when you sit down to read a book and get twenty pages of boring world building. As a reader I still want the info on everything, but for pity's sake spread it around. 
 What's bugging me? 
 Ember is supposed to be special. I follow that. The author gives her very few stuttered steps during training. Luke Skywalker got zapped a few times before connecting with the force. Nope. Our heroine is close to perfect. She can control a stallion that hates everyone in about two seconds & slays her first revenant without even getting a paper cut. 
 It's been a while since I read nightshade, but I still feel like a lot was not explained in this book. Again, since there will be more than one I let that go. I refuse to worry this like a dog with a bone. 
 The ending was a drop off. Felt a bit unfinished / setup for book two. Could have been more is all I'm saying.