Oh my poor heart. Being back and on a mission with Elias and Helene was breath-taking. This graphic novel follows the two of them and their friend Tavi on a mission during their fifth year of Blackcliff, the Empires greatest (and potentially deadly) military academy. The plot was amazing, and the art was perfection! This was very emotional, a story about violence, injustice, morale and friendship and so much more. It's just so good, I want to start all over again. My new favorite graphic novel. If you like the An Ember In The Ashes series, this is a must read! And if you just like graphic novels, I think this works very well on its own, without the knowledge of the series. Either way, check it out, it's great!