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Edit: Reread 2019

I'll be honest. I still love this book, but I'm not sure I enjoyed it as much the second time around. My ranking of SJM's books is definitely changing with this series reread.

**

'For wherever you need to go - and then some. The world needs more healers.'

I didn't expect this to be so GOOD! I honestly expected to enjoy, but come away a little underwhelmed by Tower of Dawn and that was not a nice feeling to have about a book from your favourite author. Chaol is great and all but since CoM, I was never his biggest fan and didn't find myself missing him in EoS. And when I found out there was going to be a whole novel about him... Well, I was sceptical, and only really excited because I was so intrigued by Nesryn's character and the fact that Yrene was returning from her appearance in the prequels.

But as I always do, I pre-ordered Tower of Dawn and started it release day. And I was not expecting that!

'You must enter where you fear to tread.'

This installment starts with Chaol's arrival in Antica, the beautiful, sprawling exotic city on the Southern Continent intent on healing his injured spine and building bridges to bring an army home for the war. The premise already promises an arduous journey for our leads. And it certainly delivers.

I loved the long, slow process that Chaol went through to heal his injuries. I can't say I found it relateable since I've fortunately never experienced a disability, but I will say I was very pleased with how Sarah handled the whole thing. It's understandable - and relateable in the sense that I know I would feel the same way - that Chaol feels like less of a person while being in that chair because he can't take care of himself. But by the end, Sarah's portrayal of him getting over that and seeing himself as no less of a man in or out of the chair was just beautiful.

Obviously none of that could have happened without Yrene, whose character I found mildly boring and pathetic in her novella, but now I have come to love her. Sarah really gives us a reason to understand Yrene on a deeper level - as to why she's not too fond of the idea of healing a man from Adarlan, and why that note from Aelin was so important to her. She wasn't necessarily badass, but she didn't need to be. She was strong in her kindness and her desire to do good - in many ways she reminded me of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman.

The plot, I think, was one of the most intense that Sarah has ever put together. I could never guess what was going to happen next - even though at times I was screaming for them to reveal to Yrene who exactly gave her that note, and (view spoiler)[for them to reveal to Chaol and everyone exactly what happened to Aelin at the end of EoS (hide spoiler)]. *cries* Sarah why do you insist on messing with my emotions so?

In that particular sense, Nesryn's own story was the most compelling to me. Now, this girl is badass. She never falters, never backs down, but she is so compassionate and intelligent. I love her! When she and Sartaq journey south to the rukhin (who are freaking amazing), I was hooked on every word. The culture and setting that Sarah has created around Antica is wonderful, but that of the rukhin is simply stunning. I was in awe of everything, and I got some major dejá vú moments to Manon in HoF at times.
The amount of reveals and intense action scenes that Sarah through into Nesryn's time with the rukhin was insane. I was honestly staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed the whole time. And I am honestly so terrified for the last book now.
Can we take a second to appreciate that simmering, budding romance between Nesryn and Sartaq as well? *fans self* I mean Chaol and Yrene were good and sweet, albeit a little predictable, but I am seriously rooting for Nesraq? Saryn? Whatever their name, I ship it!

' "What did Aelin promise you?"
Hasar smiled to herself. "A better world" '

Before I finish up, I want to say how much I loved the new characters Sarah gave us. Hasar and Borte being my two favourites - the former sassy and conniving, much like Aelin if she were in such a position (and I loved that she had a female lover), and the latter also sassy and badass. I can't wait to see more of these two later on. And Nesryn's sister, for the brief scene she was in, had me laughing out loud. We all need more people like her in our lives.

Oh, and Sarah? What the actual Hell with that last chapter? It's settled, you know how much this breaks me and you're just twisting the knife in the wound. But... do I love you for it? Yeah, I kinda do.

All in all, a fabulous entry to the series and I am even more pumped for the finale now!