I feel like I'm not going to do this book justice. I want to use words like beautiful and eloquent and dream-like...it's written like a fairy tale and it's unlike other books I've read recently. The flow of the plot and the writing actually forced me to read slowly...something I rarely do. But the words felt almost romantic to me and I took the time to savor them because they clearly painted this world, the vivid characters and mystery of Lora's life. 
 I liked Lora from the beginning. She was sassy and strong...well, as sassy and strong as a girl can be in post-Victorian England. As an orphan who'd already had a difficult life, joining a posh all-girl's school filled with snooty students was just another obstacle for her to face. And she does so with grace and spunk. Jesse, who is mysterious in the beginning, turns out to be the perfect swoonworthy male lead. He's strong and handsome and will do whatever it takes to help Lora as she learns about her abilities. He'll also do what's necessary to protect her (insert sigh here)! Armand, on the other hand, is secretive and sexy. His secrets impact Lora as well. The secondary characters add to the story but don't overshadow the main plot. 
 Now, there's action in this book too. It's not all romance and flowers. The last quarter of the book will keep you on the edge of our seat. But, it will take some getting used to because it takes a while to get there and you're almost not expecting it. As I mentioned earlier, I was slowly reading a very beautiful book when..wham...I'm hit with the action. This was a bit startling for me but I soon adjusted and enjoyed watching Lora come into her powers and be the strong hero I knew she would be. 
 This is a good read with lovely storytelling and characters that get under your skin. And the best part is that book two will be available this summer!