Off the bat, we are introduced to Yeeran - an elf who just loves war and being a soldier. 2 chapters into her perspective, and I was ready to DNF. Loving war is boring, can't relate. However, in the next chapter, she is exiled, and therefore has to show more of her personality aside from war. Truly, I think my rating drops a full star just from my annoyance at the outset of this story. Things really pick up and get interesting about a quarter/third of the way into the book. There are a handful of plot twists - some I saw coming, but others were a total surprise. Generally, I liked the pacing of this book. The beginning chunk is a little slow, but it does set up the world-building and political structure of the elves, so it's okay that it's not action packed. The romance felt a little jarring to me, a little out of place. Though, it is well done, adds to the story, and isn't too naughty. The magic system is incredibly interesting and unique, and I'm excited to see what's next for these characters in the remainder of the trilogy. I'm a sucker for a good prophecy, and this story is full of them. Some we have seen to fruition, others are clearly more long-term. Overall, I'd say it's worth reading, especially once you get past the warmongering.