Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

Caution, spoilers.

I have to say, I LOVED this book. I had read one of Kelley Armstrong's other series before, so I was certainly expecting an enjoyable read, but I was completely blown away by this work.

Things I Liked:

• Multiple perspective with Ashyn and Moria. I love dual perspective books in general, but I feel like they worked for this novel in particular because, broadly speaking, a reader can most likely identify with some aspect of at least one sister. Personally, I enjoyed the Ashyn sections more, and I *loved* her character. I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for a heroine who is a developed, strong, powerful character, but who *isn't* necessarily an action heroine throwing her sword around all the time. I really, really *loved* Ashyn. I identified with her, she was so real to me, and I could not stop rooting for her. Moria...Moria was a well-drawn character, but I preferred Ashyn, really. 
• The love interests! I love Ronan! He's wily and rakish, sure, but he was also really sweet with Ashyn, at times, I think, like in the inn, over their meal, he seemed genuinely embarrassed and such. Gavril...I'm usually partial to love/hate romances, but I think Gavril's final scenes in the book really soured me to him. 
• The possibilities! This book was so great in terms of keeping things open for the next installment in the series. Obviously, there's a war on, but think about the little things as well: Will Ronan save his siblings from his life of crime? Will Ashyn contact him? Will Gavril's treachery be revealed to be a misunderstanding or is he actually evil? Will Moria's affections turn to Tyrus? Also, when Ronan told Ashyn he was leaving before they entered the city, I think he was about to reveal something else, first, but then pulled back. I don't think it was his love, since, judging by the kiss, he's not quite so shy about that. I think it was something else, and I'd like to see what it was. The character of Belaset, as well. I think she was given too much time and attention to be merely a device to show Ashyn the way of the world. I think she'll return. 
• World-building! This was AMAZING! I think it was really, really cool to show the creatures (thunder hawk, death worms, etc.) as something not believed even by people in this obviously fantastical world (i.e. having Seekers and Keepers and such), and to see how that develops. Also, in the social relations, like those who are "empire-born" and the people from the North, who decide, by Ashyn's dress, that she is not really from the north, in the inn, I think that all speaks to such a rich, complex world that is going to open up to an even greater depth in the next book. There is just such lush detail (like Ashyn and Moria being disallowed from cutting their hair off because of sorcerers and such), that it really, really makes this world feel real and true and if it genuinely exists, and we are seeing but a window into it. 

Final Thoughts: 

• I just loved everything about this book. The characters were relatable, well-developed, and lovable, the world is lush and fantastical and totally engaging, the style is totally engaging as well, I finished this very quickly. The plot, the pacing, everything is just perfect, I can't wait to read the second installment in this series when it comes out.