Going back and re-reviewing these books. I know there are many that really enjoy this series, but it ended up not being for me after the first book. I wanted to love this book since I loved the first book so much and that's why I had previously given it 4 stars. But looking back I had to lower it to 3 and was close to saying 2.5. I was so bored most of the time. The present day story was nearly as fun, exciting, and intense as the first book, but my biggest issue came with the flashback chapters. They just took me right out of the story and it was jarring. I just felt they were unnecessary and even detrimental to the present day story that was happening. I honestly didn't care about how Jardir grew up or how he came to power. It was kind of cool to see their culture more in depth, but to be honest I just didn't care. Maybe this was because I was so enthralled by both Arlen's and Leesha's chapters that I didnt want to be pulled away. I'm not sure. This series might be the most disappointing, after a VERY promising first book, that I have ever read. Sad day.