I did like the first book more, but I still have to give this five stars because the last hundred pages or so were SO. GOOD.

It was good before then too, but I just prefer the palace intrigue of the first book over this quest that takes Zilan to different places. I also went into this book with my opinion of Zilan's cousins already soured, so it took a while for me to actually like them again.

But I do love Zilan all throughout this book. Her background of poverty remains an important part of her character, and it makes every moment of triumph feel earned. There's also another character who adds some unexpected personality to their party. This was a really great book and a FANTASTIC conclusion to this duology.