I haven't read the preceding books, but the author did a good job of bringing me up to speed--not easy because of the big cast of characters. However, I got to know them pretty well--good characterization. I like Kaylin; Teela (her friend); small and squawky, who's like an albino but with even less color; her other friends, including the dragons; and especially the buildings. I loved that concept! And the the meaning of the eye colors. And the house-hunting sub-plot is fun. Can she find a landlord who wouldn't worry about a dragon roommate--and her other friends? I enjoyed the repartee, and it helps with filling in the background. The villain is scary; the story suspenseful, and the conflict among some of the characters with their varying agendas is well done. (I'll have to track down the other books in the series. I want to learn more about the Hawks and the Barrani and fiefs, etc..)