I'm not a great writer of reviews (yet! Practice makes perfect, right?), so suffice it to say... Wow.

Book 2 of this series really did nail it for the twists. I still have to hand it to book 2 on that front. But ACoSF nails it almost everywhere else. The writing? Improved. The sex? HOT. The feeling? Deep and believable.

Maas finally fleshes out two characters I have been dying to get to know better for BOOKS now. She develops them beautifully; Nesta in particular (I guess there's more growth to be had when you're only in your mid 20s as compared to someone who's 500+). I loved getting to know Cassian better, and I have absolutely changed who I thought my favourite Ilyrian was. I started the book calling Cassian a lovable frat boy and while I loved Nesta, she definitely had her hang ups. By the end of the book, I see Cassian as a kind, intelligent, brave soul and Nesta is the strongest, most badass bitch I've ever wanted to be.

I think that's what hit me the most in this book. It centres so much around women in community with each other and the power that brings to them. It highlights the bonds women form with each other, and the depths of friendship and love they can share. It shows the strength of a team, and though Nesta obviously has to act alone at times, she only got as far as she did because of the two women beside her.

Anyway, I loved it, I desperately want more, I'm dying for a Valkyrie tattoo, and I'm signing up for a martial art tomorrow.