Let me start by saying I devoured this book in two sittings. The action sequences? Chef's kiss. Sam’s growth from a reckless fighter to someone strategizing (most of the time) had me hooked. That scene where he wipes the floor with the climactic challenge? Pure satisfaction.

But... okay, let’s talk flaws. Sam’s recycled battle technique early on? Lazy writing. I literally groaned when he pulled the same move twice—like, dude, your enemies aren’t goldfish with 3-second memories. And those 'convenient' insights about his past? Felt like the author tossed them in last minute without breadcrumbs.

Still, Dante’s moral ambiguity is *fascinating*. Is he evil or just tragically bad at communication? Their dynamic gives the series depth, and I’m low-key hoping for a twisted team-up later.

Power progression slowed down noticeably here, which isn’t inherently bad—but when paired with plot holes (Death Knight class overlapping blood powers? Huh?), it feels messy. Yet, that final battle’s clever ability combos saved it for me.

Verdict: Flawed but fun. If you’re deep into the series like me, you’ll overlook the eye-roll moments for the hype fights and lore teases. New readers? Start from Book 1.