4.23 AVERAGE


2.5 stars. This read like a filler book in the series to me. Han AND Raisa both had Harry-Potter-and-the-Order-of-the-Phoenix level teen angst/guilt/anger, which irritated me even as it was probably reasonable. The first half of the book mostly described their education, which I found repetitive. Things did get more interesting once they finally
Spoiler met, and we get a hint of where the rest of the series is going. TOTALLY CALLED IT about Crow not necessarily being a stand up dude and ALSO that the hidden book room belonged to "His Royal Highness Alger Waterlow." (And having finished the series it would have been super cool if this whole room had come back into play at some point, although since Alger stops being a douche it probably it's too necessary.)
adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Great continuation of the story from the first book! Really enjoyed learning more about the wizards and the school.

I found Raisa's parts kinda slow during the beginning, but it picked up pace after.
adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

In a way, I guess it makes sense that the Princess Heir goes missing for a full year and dedicates herself to studies without seemingly a care in the world.

It's sad but... listen, I usually like romance in these kinds of books. The fact that I don't care about Raisa's line of paramours really made the book less fun to read through. That and the fact that she is still very immature, that she is jealous and too optimistic rather than realistic.

Meanwhile. Han. *shrugs* I feel like it was a much better story when it was told in the Fake Prince book. Han in this book wasn't too interesting.

Despite all that, I'll admit that the one enjoyable thing during this painful read was when I kept screaming on top of my lungs for whenever they were together was: YOU'RE RELATED! YOU'RE BASICALLY COUSINS! STAHP THIS COURTSHIP AT ONCE! Only to have Gengar remind me that because they're so far away from each other in terms of family tree, it shouldn't matter as much. It's fun and I guess there's enough intrigue to make me continue the story. Or is it just because... since I started the series, I'm forcing myself to finish it...?

I thought the first book was full of mystery, intrigue, and high fantasy, but that's nothing compared to the second installment!

Warning: No spoilers related to this book, but potential spoilers for previous books in the series.

I will say that [b:The Exiled Queen|7801229|The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms, #2)|Cinda Williams Chima|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1285276245l/7801229._SY75_.jpg|9842102] did start off with a slow exposition, and it wasn't until about 25% that the story really picked up, once they got to the school. It seemed like a lot, but I do realize a lot of it was important for building the plot.

I love the cast of characters we see here. Cat (who I didn't expect to see again) and Dancer have really grown into their own behind the scenes, and I really appreciate Amon's triple as well. Crow and Abelard are tricky, and they keep me guessing up to the last minute, especially Crow. Even so, they're well-written. I like that we're seeing a lot more of Fiona Bayar and her views on her family's plans as well. This is a story where the characters build the plot, and there are so many different sides to consider. In a lot of ways, it is a very political story, especially with Raisa's decisions and Han being a double or triple agent.

This novel really managed to keep me on my toes. There were many unexpected twists, and like the previous installment, nothing was completely predictable, if not in the events themselves then at least in the ways they played out. [a:Cinda Williams Chima|125308|Cinda Williams Chima|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1291420167p2/125308.jpg] knows how to write a cast of characters that keep you on your toes, and where you get a strong feel for each one.

Meanwhile, there's still so much I don't know and can't predict. Who is Crow? What choices will Raisa and Han make regarding romance? Regarding their destinies? Will Han learn to be a stronger friend to Cat and Dancer?

Everything about this is thrilling, and I can't wait to get started on the next installment. My only issue is, I want the physical copies of the books, not just the ebooks. I want to have this series for myself! Either way, I can't wait to read the next one.
adventurous medium-paced

As with the first book, the romance is difficult to believe and encumbers the story. I don't find any of the romances compelling because it feels like they only exist because characters are in close proximity to each other. There isn't a lot of real development of relationships.

all the characters made me angry... but they're written so well and I want them to make good decisions... but they don't. I need morrrrreeeeee

LOVE this series and the characters. This one had a little bit of a Harry Potter feel to it with them off at wizard/military school, only this is more like college though. And the clash between Han and Micah Bayer and his father is a little like Harry Potter's with Draco Malfoy and his father. Not a bad thing, just reminded me of it.
I only give 5 stars to books I would buy, and I think I will buy this series so I can re-read them while I wait for the next one to come out! Great epic feel, great characters and descriptions, great book.

Reread: 2/8/20
After rereading the first book, I figured I had to continue. I love this book particularly for the school setting. I love how everything is starting to really develop and tensions are rising and it's just such a great time. It was so fun rereading some of my favorite scenes.