I feel like people are missing the point of this sequel, which is to highlight growth and change in an ever changing world that is constantly fraught with danger and ever changing allegiances, while dealing with a relationship in which one person, who is USED to having to keep secrets, is doing his best to manage his own trauma in a way that doesn't jeopardize his relationship and failing to do so.
Meanwhile, the complaints about Andarna changing feel like people lacking media literacy entirely. Andarna was the equivalent of a child and in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm is going through adolescence. Of COURSE she's going to change entirely.
Iron Flame is about finding middle grounds in which it feels impossible to do so while encountering growth.
If y'all didn't want growth, find another series.
10/10 book.