It took me a long time to write this review because I couldn't decide myself on this book. 

On one hand, it has incredible emotional beats and really explores not only the force but the Jedi empathy. Burry connecting with a dying Drengir is probably one of my favourite scenes in the High Republic and all of his and Bell's chapters were high points for me. 

On the other one, I still don't care about Avar and Elzar as a couple, and their dynamic is the main plot of this book. While Elzar continues to be an extremely interesting and complex character, the last two books did nothing to fix my slight dislike of Avar since her comic days. 

Their relationship is more believable now and at least feels more substantial than a teenage attraction, and while the exploration on how Jedi can love was interesting, I'd rather have spent my time with literally any other plot point. 

Vernestra's inclusion had the potential to be really interesting considering how Defy the Storm ended, but she barely had a significant interaction with Elzar (tbh the whole "consequences of Elzar's choices in Starlight Beacon" deserved more significance, even if it's conclusion remained the same) and her presence felt shoved in because she wouldn't be in neither the MG or the YA book. 

Porter Engle's and Xylan and Cair's chapters made for great balance, adding tension to an otherwise more character-focused book, and  Marchion Ro keeps proving himself an incredible villain with moves that already foreshadow a thrilling climax for the series.