If you haven't read the first book, Stop! There are events discussed here from that story that may be spoilers for you.The story picks up six months from the end of the first book. Abby is coping with (or trying to) her breakup with Brystion. Moira leaves for the Faery Court and soon after, all hell breaks loose and Abby's in charge. Talivar is still staying with Abby as her personal bodyguard, along with Phineas the unicorn and Benjamin, Moira's baby who she left in Abby's care.Unlike the first book, this story takes off seemingly from the first page. Abby still has missteps but she's still got very good instincts and has gained the respect of those OtherFolk in Portsmyth. When an Elven woman shows up claiming to be the new Protectorate, Abby kicks into high gear to determine the authenticity of the claim and figure out what's going on. With Talivar and Phineas at her side, she stumbles into one discovery after another, including astonishing revelations about her own past. Her relationship with Talivar develops into an intimate one and becomes more complicated when Brystion re-enters the picture. Together they navigate the complicated Faery world in an attempt to have the Queen reopen the CrossRoads and stave off a war with the daemons from Hell. The story is fast paced and all action. Even though the love triangle (hate them) is a constant, it doesn't overwhelm and they have to work in tandem. I haven't decided yet whether I'm team Brystion or team Talivar (leaning towards him) as they both are extremely appealing in different ways. Abby continues to use good judgment as she faces the unknown and grapples with understanding the protocols and politics of a foreign world. There are so many twists and shifts here in this fantastical world that you can't stop reading for fear you won't keep up. I had a tough time finding stopping points that didn't keep me from rushing back when life showed up.The ending was so startling, exciting and surprising I didn't have a choice but to jump right into the next book. This was spectacular!
