ah, yeah, i see... i definitely thought it was devastating, but i was more on the peeved end of "this feels a little too close to trauma porn/continuing to kick me while i'm already down" than any of that. (plus, the author started using sexual assault as an ~*edgy plot point again, which was very disappointing to me since that was my only big problem with the first book.) i probably would've lost all faith in the next book if the thing with cassius didn't happen at the end of dark age. i am, unfortunately (?), a Cassius Enjoyer

pax is wonderful!!! such a good character. and i like elektra too. i just loved the voice actor for ephraim and what a unique angle he gave to the story/world. just as a heads-up, since you're a fan of the audiobooks: for light bringer, they went back to only having TGR do all the povs. which was a bit of a shame (even though i think he's amazing). i never liked any of the folks who did lysander's chapters, but i looooved who they got for virginia and lyria. i did like the first person who read for lyria's chapters, but moira quirk was extremely good as well. and the person who read for virginia was just PERFECT to me.... i just LOVE virginia i LOVE HER!!!!!!!! but red rising is such a feast for good characters

i am just clenching my fist with you... i also LOVE the concept of the Hunt and a lot of the Hunters. they're just good, messy fun. you're right tho, tma is ALSO a feast for good characters when u think about it.