I really enjoyed this book. There is a good mixture of history/myth, magic, and hardships- so there is always something going on. I liked that. It was never too much, the plot worked really well and it incorporated many different elements. 
 Matt is such a complex guy. I both loved him and was annoyed at him many times throughout the book. At first, I was 100% on team Matt, but then there were certain times where he was so distant and annoying that I changed my mind. By the end of the story I didn't know who I was rooting for. I think it is still Matt but there is just something about... 
 Vane is complex too, but in a more mysterious darker way. I really really wanted to hate him. And at the beginning I did hate him, but he just has these awesome moments. I lived for those rare nice moments with him. And by the end of the book he basically became neck and neck with Matt. That is pretty impressive for someone that I had shamelessly made a snap judgment about. 
 Ryan was pretty cool too, but I must say I am not crazy about this name for a girl. But that is besides the point. I love that there are still things surrounding Ryan and her life that we don't know. I can't wait to find out even more about her in the next book. She is a strong person and I really admire that. Now I just wish that she had an easier love triangle decision to make. 
 I will say that I got a little confused towards the end of the book once or twice. A lot started happening all at once and it got a little harry for a while so I couldn't quite keep up all the time. Just make sure you read that part slowly and you will be fine. I was so excited to find out how the book was going to end that I started reading kinda fast at the end. This book was well written and the characters are nicely developed. The story is awesome too and I can't wait to see what is going to happen in book 2!