The language used in this book is amazing. I found so many lovely new words such as ewer and demoiselle. The book is rich in culture and the ethical behavior of a kingdom and its court, and it's main focus was on the politics that beheld the kingdom and its opposition parties. However, since I am not quite keen on politics, I passed through those chapters quite bored. The most interesting aspect in my opinion was learning about Ismae and her gift. Even by the end of the book I could not help but wonder at Ismae's character as I feel it was not depicted well. All the characters were quite vague. I feel the author could have spent a bit more time developing her characters. 
 On one hand, I loved loved loved the chemistry between Duval and Ismae. It was so romantic, alluring and honorable. On the other hand, I couldn't figure out when exactly their feelings for each other came to be. There was no event between them that led to the kindling of those feelings. It was all quite fast... Unreasonably so. In addition, the lack of romance and fierceness in the rest of the characters made the story ever so dull. 
 I am still impressed by the language and I guess I will wait for my copy of book two to arrive so I can continue this series. Even though it is quite political, I still want to know more about the ways of Mortain.