This one was very different from the others in that we had not only Talia's point of view, but we also had Cressa's, a new character, who was privileged, and Erik's POV. There was quite a bit going on too. Although I really understood the why behind it, it was a lot to digest, but gave some good background on what would eventually lead to the ultimate fight that the Talented would have to face.
At the end of Marked, Talia was sent to the Vault for disregarding orders and letting Kenly go free rather than place her in containment while Erik was sent traveling around the world as an ambassador for United garnering support for the Talented and Created in the upcoming vote. What I found strange is that it wasn't clearly explained how Erik was OK with Tals being locked up and his never being able to see her. The Erik we love would never have agreed to that.
When the council decides on a drastic measure in case the vote does not go in their favor, Talia breaks out of the Vault and finds herself with new allies, but not quite as safe as she would like. In the meantime, the Dame, whom I suspected was who I thought she was, was gearing up her army, the privileged for the upcoming war she was instigating around the world. I do have to admit that I liked Cressa and her view on the happenings in the privileged world were gold, but also worrisome. I felt horrible for those poor kids manipulated into servitude and potentially giving their life to become privileged. And honestly, I don't think they all have agreed to their new lot in life, but have been brainwashed to believe that they were superior and willing to die for the Dame's cause. I hope Cressa survives and ends up on Talia's team before this is all over.
As I said, there was a lot going on. Kenly and her team, whom I adore, are back in the mix. Penny, Erik, Brand, are also reunited with Talia and her new friends, but there are losses as well and things definitely get more complicated for the Talented/Created. I am excited to read the next book to see where this all ends. Will Alex and Erik's family arrive safely, how will Talia react to the Donovan clone, will Cressa and her friends escape the Dame? We learn a lot, but there are still so many open questions and I am definitely planning on finishing the series after binge reading all 7 books these past couple of weeks.