This book is not without its flaws, but I still have to give it 5 stars based on the incredible character work for the POV characters, the elemental magic system, and whatever alchemy M.L. Wang used to pull off 100 pages worth of action scenes that felt vivid and perfectly paced. Also, “The Duel” is one of the best chapters of any book I’ve ever read. Given those strengths, any complaints I have about the exposition and the side characters feel unimportant. Such a great read!