⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Whoever thinks Zoya and Nikolai are not a good pair is insane. You are crazy. I am sorry but I have not been this excited about a couple since Kaz and Inej and that is saying something. This was definitely not as incredible and exciting as six of crows, but it was also WAY better than the shadow and bone trilogy itself. I like Nikolai way too much to not enjoy his books.

The Zoya and Nikolai storyline has NEVER crossed my mind but I think this was a genius move. She is everything he is not and vice-versa. She is the gloomy, violent, cold, distant, brooding, ruthless character and he is the ray of sunshine, flirtatious, happy, excited, outgoing and handsome king. This is one of the top 5 tropes to read and I am here for it.

Nina's chapters were SO depressing. I don't know how I got through them. I still can't get over M's death. Her chapters were beautifully written at first but they really got me down. I caught myself rolling my eyes and just wishing they would be over soon because I just wanted more Zoya and Nikolai to be honest. Which makes me a little sad, I love Nina but I think part of her died with M and watching her grieve and work through this just hurts too much. What I loved about her isn't quite there anymore. Maybe she will get better with time?

All I know is, this was a good book. Not super exciting and not a lot really going on but I am not mad about it. I will take any chance I can get to receive some more Nikolai content. Bless me with this sexy man, I will take it. He makes me laugh enough to make this all worth it. Also please, GIVE ME SOME ZOYA AND NIKOLAI ACTION. I need it. On to the next one :)