This story doesn’t fall into the trap of simple good-versus-evil storytelling; instead, it leans into moral ambiguity, with characters who are flawed, driven, and forced to make difficult choices in a brutal environment. It delivers exactly what modern fantasy readers are looking for: scale, intensity, and emotional weight, all wrapped in a dark, cinematic world. From the very first pages, it feels less like reading a book and more like watching an epic unfold with massive battles, great creatures, and a world constantly teetering on the edge of collapse. 

Gwynne’s writing style tends to be direct and easy to follow, which allows the action and emotion to take center stage without getting lost in overly complex language. At the same time, it’s descriptive enough to vividly bring scenes to life. Especially during battles or moments of high tension which creates a strong visual impression. You follow multiple POV’s, which allows you to get insights on both sides of the story. However, you never know who is safe in this story, which makes it even more suspenseful.