Once again, Sarah J. Maas' writing was impeccable, and she successfully wove together multiple intricate plots, incorporating a variety of unpredictable twists and turns.  A Court of Wings and Ruin had me attempting to keep my tears at bay, as well as laughing until I cried as I rooted for my favorite characters while cursing those which I despised (namely Tamlin).  The erratic pacing worked to the novel's advantage, conveying the characters' sense of urgency with respect to Hybern's looming threat.  As a tremendous fan of fantasy works which are perched on massive, multi-faceted political systems, warfare, and military tactics, I loved the direction in which Maas shifted the focus of the series.  She emphasized a plot-driven narrative without belittling or obscuring the importance of the various characters and relationships that were at play.