This book is dedicated to librarians and I FEEL IT. <3

***

Irene continues to be my literary role model with her quick thinking, intense bravery, and stoic wit. She is remarkably unruffleable for someone who is frequently an assassination target. 

The book begins with violent shenanigans that erupt while Irene and Vale are out on a shouldn't-be-especially-dangerous adventure. In her escape, Irene discovers an unexpected and magical door, which opens to reveal someone dangerous who should already be dead.

Much more violent shenanigans ensue. Spectacular escapes. Verbal sparring and fisticuffs. If Vale is fulfilling a Sherlock archetype, his Moriarty is emerging. 

And of course, Irene, Kai, and Vale now have Lord Silver's niece Catherine tagging along as an apprentice. New characters into established series can be a gamble, but I'm looking forward to Catherine's contributions. 

Overall, this adventure was another engrossing read with new and old characters and villains, and a big reveal at the end that helps propel the plot forward. 

If you're not reading this series, you're missing out.

arc received from the publisher to review