After I read this book I realized that it fell into two categories I didn't particularly care for, historical fiction and magic.... AND I loved it! It had a post apocalyptic feel to it, and the magic wasn't over the top. The setting felt real for me, and at times I couldn't really tell if what was happening was happening in the far past, or in the far future. I kept imagining that maybe earth went through some kind of world war or maybe they weren't even on earth! I had a great time with my imaginings! :) This book had a little bit of everything: adventure, romance, humor, drama. I enjoyed the romance, and was hoping and hoping that something would develop with Valek. I was rewarded at the end, only to be let down by their goodbye. I read this book very quick, and got sucked into the story not wanting to put it down. It's been a while for me since a book grabbed me like this and I'm so happy I read it. I do not think that I will read the second book in the series though. I enjoyed reading about the adventure very much, but I don't think I like the characters enough to read more about them. I will however read other stories by Maria V. Snyder.