The author takes worldbuilding to the next level with more interaction with monsters, the mist, magic, and mythology. There’s a complex layering of conflicts which I really enjoyed, within characters, between friends, multiple enemies, and even the supernatural. Characters fail, multiple times, without redemption. This book explores the challenges of holding a kingdom together after dethroning an empire. What is right vs. wrong if your enemies continue to outplay you? Are morally gray actions justified in the name of a greater good? What is the purpose of religion?

The only hit I have is although I like the characters fine, I don’t love them.

I don’t think enough of them died oops.

Vin still doesn’t have a female friend. There is less of the tight crew in this book vs. the last, which is expected I guess given all the trauma.

Writing tips for me: conflict layering, and allowing characters to continue to fail, with consequences, constant foreshadowing pays off