Wow. This book was a rollercoaster, much more action packed than Fireborne. We finally get to see how the tensions that were built in the first book begin to unfold. There is also more patrician politics, what happens when one tries to stay neutral in certain situations, and what happens when you tie yourself to an ideology, what’s more, to a political identity. I’m amazed by Annie’s character growth, how she faced more and more struggles, not because of her abilities, but because of her nature as a woman and her background. How she was able to sort through people who did not tolerate her position nor respect her. Not to mention the people who left her all alone in moments of crisis (yes, Lee, this is about you). I have to say this, though there was a reconciliation at the end, I do not know if I’m still able to completely forgive Lee for what he put her through. His idealism resulted not only in hurting and betraying Annie, but also in putting at risk the same people he wanted to make a world better for. As a highly emotional character, I believe he faced his crisis, which was necessary for him to grow (though that is yet to be seen in the next book), yet that does not change the fact that he was an incredibly stubborn obstacle. I still hold resentment for Cor. Yes, he was put through so much in so little time, just as many of them were. Yet he tried to find someone to take all his frustration out on, that being Annie, instead of facing his grief. I know Annie is an incredibly merciful person, but to me it’s almost unforgivable what he did, as he had been in her inner circle. Oh Power, I loved seeing another facet of his character. There were hints in the first book, but nothing could have prepared me for his fervor. I still think that after containing her, standing next to her even when everyone left her, and offering a shoulder, Annie discarded him harshly with no remorse. Yes, we all like the passionate trauma bond between Annie and Lee, but having someone so secure to rest on is not something that happens every day. I could keep talking about this book for hours, but since I just finished it, I’m yet to make up my mind about the ending and its implications. Still too shocked to analyse its politics