I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

What I liked most about this book is its ability to stray away from the so-often trodden path of Norse Myth. Lyra doesn't play too close to the predictable version of things, which keeps the journey refreshing and surprising. She also isn't afraid to delay giving readers what they want in order to keep them invested in the plot. Combine that with some very satisfying emotional growth, and I found it to be a compelling extension of the previous book.

And that ending? WHAT NEXT LYRA? WHAT. NEXT.