Date: 2023/11/25-2023/11/26
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★
Spice rating: —
Age rating (I think): 16+

TIGGER WARNINGS: murder, death, profanity, kidnapping, injury, hallucinations

Thank you for the e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

First, what you can expect from this book:

· age gap romance
· beautiful friendships 
· multiple POV
· morally grey characters
· magic & witches
· action-paced
· rebellious & wise MMC
· mixing of religions
· supernatural beings
· animal companion
· shocking end 
· fast-paced

Huh, I don't even know where to start my review, I just have so much going on in my head. Part of me has incredibly needed this, but really. It was great to be reunited and go in action with the characters in this vast and cruel world again.

Teska still holds her favorite place in my heart at record high, I just love her so much. I mean, the other characters are important to me, but she's especially.

My emotions are very mixed now; I feel sadness and joy, anger and worry at the same time, in short, so many things and I don't know which one is real.

ATTENTION SPOILER (if you haven't read the book, scroll down at your own risk)

Alright, my jaw is still on the ground because of him. I mean, I never thought I'd like a male character so much (as I mentioned, I usually read books with female protagonists). 

He remained extremely sympathetic to me; He makes excellent decisions, plans strategy well and does not deceive people with false hopes. On top of all this, his sudden anger is also revealed, but he is still so confident, perfect leader for a rebellion. 

Over the course of the book, I felt that he was developing significantly and was probably ready to take Merrick's place if he hadn't already. I feel like this time he can really feel the weight of it and all the consequences. 

(And I still owe Teska my soul for finally cutting that beard off him and his hair, haha)

Ohhh my only Ghost. She deserves so much, so much more in this world. She deserves so much, so much better than what happened to her. 

I loved that she finally opened up and welcomed with open arms what she was born to be, that she didn't run from it anymore. The way she handled her destiny shows how strengthened she was and how she finally found herself. 

I was glad that she didn't softened just because she made a relationship with Malachi (as most characters do), she didn't remain the same wild and ruthless but brilliant wildfire. 

I incredibly hope that she will be able to get rid of what has now practically wiped her out (or at least taken over her - but well, at least we have an answer to why her was so important to the Fathers)

I just want to sob — and never get up from the ground — after losing Cabbot. I mean, his death was something else entirely. Likewise, I couldn't believe how such a loyal and brave man could break so hard under the weight. It's not his fault — not really — his fate was just written that way, cruelly, painfully, and too quickly, but necessarily to move the plot forward. However, I am grateful to him because he struggled, ate with all his remaining strength, and this means more than anything, he did it for himself and his friends, he gave them time, hope for a better world. I will miss him terribly.

Dario, ahh, did so much to get his sister's kids back, it's incredible. At such an age, he travelled and fought to reach them, and even in the end he had to lose. Its absence is terrible, painful, but again, it is too important to ignore. He deserved so much, so much better.

Tua, woah, I never thought I'd love him so much (because I usually cling to the original characters crampedly), but he was a pleasant surprise, I incredibly liked his free spirit and his ability to sacrifice everything to help Throne. It was undeniably modelled after the Aboriginal (as his name and horse suggest) and I can't wait to learn more about him.

Cassandra & Cassidy, my little babies. My poor were so lost, they brainwashed and tore apart their bright souls. It hurt so much to know that they didn't recognize Dario or the others that they were so terrified that they thought they had fallen into the hands of something far greater than themselves. I am delighted that they got home safely and escaped. I hope they start a new life where there is peace and happiness because they deserve it, more than anything and everyone.

Amelia, at first she was so promising, she really was, a confident and intimidating woman. It's almost ironic that her life ended so briefly, and she never really got to experience what a real family is like.

Solomon & Tycho, I could feel them — both — tired. More than anyone else, and this time they couldn't be blamed for it because they had every right to do so. That happy and cheerful self, the protector, and the clown, disappeared from them, becoming simple puppets to survive. They've been through too much for too long, no wonder they're broken, like everyone else. I hope in the next book they will find their old selves back and truly experience the happiness and peace that life has given them.

So I sob, how can this be done to them? My poor little babies have just found each other and improvised losing each other, what is this if not tragic?

Each of them had some adorable moments, and the fact that they didn't leave each other behind, no matter what happened (okay, they can't really help the end) just says more than words. I really, terribly, hope that they find each other back and that everything will be fine with them because they really deserve peace already.

(IF HE HAD JUST LISTENED TO TESKA WHEN SHE TOLD THEM TO GO, HOW MUCH DIFFERENT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN — learning to never listen to a man's intuition, haha)

Totally random comment:
Yes, Elain was a very painful memory, I guessed right, but they both handled the situation well, and I feel like they both respect each other's lost partner.

The plot was generally understandable, although in some details I sometimes had to take a deep breath and reread a sentence for interpretation. Nevertheless, overall, I am happy with the book and the story.

The dynamic of this book seemed more dynamic to me, quickly cutting into the middle of the plot, which I really liked. Maintaining the pace was excellent, although the parts about the camp were a bit slower, but still felt adequate. The time jump, especially at the beginning of the book (about a month), wasn't confusing, but rather exciting for me.

The wording of the book is again an excellent, worthy continuation of the previous one. The writer's style is extremely fluid, which makes it easy to read and contributes to an enjoyable experience. In addition to the simplicity of the language, sometimes delightful quotes and profound wisdom emerge, which further enriches the story. The author masterfully handles words, so the reader can easily immerse himself in the world of characters and events. Really impressive. 

This book gave or returned to us with new creatures that I really liked. I honestly really loved this post's apocalyptic setting, and the way they always refer to the past adds a lot to the experience.

This book was a fascinating read for me. I must say that I couldn't wait to read every single page, and I'm excited to continue. The character development and plot twists have been wonderful and I can't wait to continue my journey with them.