This series is so gripping, I have to read them all back to back. Darrow is a fantastically flawed main character and he still wrestles with who he is in this entry. He questions the necessity of his decisions and craves to be honest with those he trusts most. Even with some on his side, he doesn’t feel as connected to them as he’d like with the secret of his birth beneath the surface. Golds don’t seem as terrible as they once did, but this story reminds the reader, and Darrow, that they truly are ruthless.

Most of this entry is spent with Darrow trying to gather allies and actually begin tearing down the hierarchy. Augustus seeks to disown him and the Bellona’s are still out for revenge, so everything seems to be working against him. Luckily he still has some allies from the school by his side, but others are spread to the winds. He’s truly been assimilated into their culture now and has real power to make a difference. Darrow still wants to be a good man to honor Eo’s memory, but operating as a Gold causes him to make some questionable choices. The greater good is always on his mind, however he seems to lose more and more of himself as this story progresses. His actions lead to some truly devastating losses, straining relationships and taking lives in the process. Again, this story serves as a reminder to the brutality of the Golds as many fight for pride above all else. Darrow’s friends are no exception and when pride is on the line, war will soon follow.

Darrow has Victra, Tactus and Roque nearby, while most of his other allies are scattered to the wind, though many appear later on. This small group has become much closer, though Tactus is still a borderline psychopath and Roque the ever-present moral compass. Victra’s still prideful as well, so their personalities haven’t changed much, though their training as a crew means they trust one another more. Once others are reintroduced, we see more character growth. I won’t say who, but their developments really add to the internal conflict that Darrow deals with. Are Golds really that bad? Spoiler alert, yes, yes they are.

This review is vague as many of the developments in this entry will have far reaching ramifications. Everything that happens is a result of Darrow’s past actions and the relationships he’s fostered throughout his infiltration. The man is the catalyst to the waves of change throughout the cosmos and he feels the pressure. Darrow deals with impostor syndrome as he isn’t sure who he really is anymore, but he knows what others need him to be so he fills the role. I sympathize with him and though many plans go awry, I hope that he can effect change in this broken society and build something where all colors can live the way they desire.