What I hate the most about Kay's books (this series in particular) is that I lose sleep every time she sends me a new book. They are simply unputdownable! I was particularly excited for this book because Aaden was back. We all needed him to be back. This book covered Talise dealing with her recent betrayal and struggling to trust Aaden again, while simultaneously doing what she always does, bringing help and hope to those most in need - this time in the Storm.A couple things I totally loved about this book. In the first chapter, there is this thought by Talise, "She had no time to be worried about romance or kisses or frustrating young men." I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking, they're in the middle of a war, why is Katniss always thinking about boys. So happy that this was acknowledged and pushed aside. They are also in the middle of a war.Second, we finally get some sense of the emperor's agenda. And whether or not he is a good guy (although his strategy was never in question). In my opinion, the not knowing had dragged out way too long, to the point that I didn't even care if he was good or bad - I just wanted to know! So now we know. At least until Kay throws another twist at us in the next book.Finally, Aaden. I have always loved Aaden and had a hard time believing he had betrayed Talise. Regardless of everything, he just didn't seem the type. But I love how this book shows even more clearly the type of person he is and everything he has going for him. I love that he is for Talise no matter what she decides, even if that means defying his father and the emperor and everyone else. I love that while he may have had little choice in the decision he made, he still regrets making it. And I love what Wendy, the ultimate best friend says to Talise when she is still struggling to trust Aaden. "It's okay... You'll learn to trust again; you just need more time to heal. But you should know, I trust Aaden." Talise will get there.I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
