So this book takes place directly right after Glass Sword. You get to read how Mare is struggling with her decision of choosing to turn herself into Maven and the death of Shade. I loved every moment of Mare’s interaction with Maven. To be honest, I love Maven a lot more than Cal. It’s mostly with the way Aveyard had written Cal for the past two books. But this book changed that and I started to actually like him now. The one part I absolutely couldn’t stand is Cameron. Her point of view wasn’t essential to the story line to me. I feel like as a reader we were cheated out of Cal or Maven’s point of view which would have been great to read. We would have understood why Cal was so squeamish at the end despite his words and actions pointing towards him becoming the man he wanted to be.

For a book, if you read the acknowledgements, that was supposed to be empowering women. The only women that was empowered was the one who’s voice to me was irrelevant, Cameron. Aveyard gives us Evangeline’s story line that shows us why she behaves the way she does. Let’s us know that she is in love with Elane and that she is gearing her life around making sure that they end up together. Evangeline’s parents know about their daughter’s choice of partner and have secured Elane’s family by marrying Elane to their son. So what do we get in the same chapter? That whole story line shot to the ground when the Oblivion Queen requires that Evangeline’s father betroth her to Cal. I feel like there is hope for Evangeline in the next book but I honestly doubt that Aveyard can deliver it after this book. Also, I found myself frustrated at the epilogue where Mare is just like “fuck you, Cal” for wanting to return to the throne and make it a better place. It’s like it doesn’t matter all his growth as a character. He is the one that stated he wanted a unified red and silver world that wasn’t like it is now.

I’m just disappointed to be honest in the character but I also recognize that her time spent with Maven has messed with her head. I just can’t wait for to wake up and be the matured Mare that we saw in Glass Sword. I will purchase the next book in the series but I am kind of doubtful that it will make up for this book. Sorry not sorry about this review being harsh but I am going to be honest.