This book had consistently vivid and evocative imagery, some great scenes and it hinted at lots of cool stuff, but I also had some problems with it. 
 At heart I found the spareness of the narrative underwhelming and the characters are more archetypes than people at this point. This feels more like a collection of stylish vignettes than a novel. This book left me wanting more in a way that was both pleasing and frustrating. Also, and I know these points seem contradictory, I don't think I have ever read another book that is as simultaneously simplistic and convoluted as this one. The plot is pretty bare bones, yet I had trouble following and understanding what was going on at times. 
 This book teases at lots of interesting things to come later but it isn't very satisfying in its own right. I want to continue on with the series, where I trust I will get the depth I am looking for. I don't think this works very well as a standalone book, but I am intrigued enough about what this story could be to keep reading.