1st reading: First, I was massively pissed off that she'd killed off Jax by the end of the 4th chapter, but thinking on it, I felt that couldn't be right - she'd made too big of a deal of his having secrets for him to be gone. What really got me was the death of Baldair - like, wtf, but yeah, I get it. Also, I figured out pretty quickly that Victor was going to be the big bad (I mean, I've been suspicious of him since the first book, but upon seeing him again in this one, I knew pretty quickly something wasn't right). Thinking - hoping - that the watch will have a role in the final book. We know it's a vessel. Is some of Vhalla's Channel in there? ( )

For the first time, this book didn't leave me with a heavy, painful heart, needing time to recover before even contemplating reading the next instalment. That said... of course it was gooooooooooooood!

Worldbuilding was flawless as ever, all scenes and environments were clear and well described. The world that the author created just amazes me every time again. So full of lovely details and intricacies, I love it!

Character development was great, we actually dove very deep into the thoughts, feelings, dreams and nightmares of our beloved Alarik and Vhalla. We got to know them on an even deeper level and yeah, there was some laughter, but a lot of introspection and crying too. All characters within these books just keep on growing and finding their paths. They all feel so real and believable.

Pacing and flow were great. This instalment wasn't as heavy on the action as the previous ones were, but the balance between said action and all the conversations to keep the story moving forward was great. A slower pace, but damn those last few chapters!

All in all... oh boy... I really want to read the next book asap, but also not ever since it would mean the story has ended (yes, yes, I know there is also the Vortex series, but still!!!!)
Ah well, there is only one thing to say: Long live Solaris! ( )

I can only take so much bad decisions from the MC.
Here she just runs naively into her enemy arms over and over again. Endagering all other around her.
Stopped reading the series with this book. ( )

Not quite sure how I feel about this book - it was kind if a filler which makes sense considering the next installment is coming out in July.
In the last book the emperor was a huge threat and he wasn't even in this? I can't say more without spoiling but yeah, the way things went felt a bit too easy.

I want to scream

Most of this book, or at least the first half, was frustrating. It was hard seeing Vhalla apart from Aldrik but watching her trust Victor was worse.

It seemed a little slow at times but it picked up fast as the author continues to rip my heart out.

How much misery can a girl take?

I'm holding out hope though.

Off subject note - Can we talk about the covers? The first book's cover is hideous with the contorted body and sharp face. This was the only halfway decent cover. Covers sell books and these aren't winning anyone over. ( )