Sine the first book I was annoyed that the leading female character, R'shiel, lacked much agency and did little through her own decision and action to drive the plot. The story seemed more about Tarja and Brak, who are certainly interesting and likable, but still a disappointment for someone who picked up the story for female characters. This continued through much of this book, until about 85% in, when finally she became a character that took charge.

To my utter delight, however, Fallon introduces a new female character Adrina, who has probably become one of my favorite characters (male or female) in fantasy. She is somehow the perfectly engineered balance of of obnoxious but clever, bitchy but justified, flawed but inspiring. Her interaction with every character in book, from her family to Cratyn to Tarja and Damin, and even briefly R'shiel makes the whole story all the more colorful and exciting, and brings out the highlights in other people. There was not a single moment with her that left me bored.

This book had many developments that pleased me to know end, and not precisely because of the developments themselves, but rather how they come about. My girl-power heart was soaring in the final chapters. (view spoiler)[I was absolutely ecstatic that it was Adrina who smacked R'shiel from her stupor, Adrina who inspired R'shiel to defy Xaphista, and Adrina and R'shiel who save themselves and all their warrior-gentlemen friends and lovers from Karien captivity. Even before that, Adrina drives almost every major development, and foils and aids everyone through sheer wit and daring. (hide spoiler)]

Also, I would read any material involving Damin Wolfblade and Adrina that exists. It has been a while since I have scene the antagonistic attraction play out so well or so humorously.

In summation, this book is not one to disappoint.