I have to admit, when I started this book and realize that it did not follow Marcus and Terianna I was heartbroken. I was really excited to see how their relationship was going to continue moving forward, and if the West was truly going to be conquered. However, I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved Lydia and. Killian. 

This was an excellent opportunity to see more of the west in a different light, and to see some of the conquests that were happening that were mentioned in the first book, but we didn’t really have a full understanding of. There’s definitely more evil than just the east. 

The romance was just as good however, a lot more frustrating in terms of waiting for something to happen. Definitely a very slow burn romance for this one. 

As with Dark Shores, there is a lots of politics and play with this book. As well as magic, adventure, battles, and more. What I love with this author is that, even though there is a strong, romance, plot line, it does not overshadow the main fantasy plotline. There’s a lot more going on than just the romance and it is a perfect balance.

I honestly did not expect this book to go in the direction that I did. And I officially have no idea what to expect for the next one.

It has been recommended to me that I read Tarnished Empire (which is the novella) first as there is an important character that we meet in that one before going into the third book. So I will be starting that one next.

Also, I highly recommend the audiobook. I like that this book had two different narrators from the first book to really solidify the two different characters that we follow in this book.