4.5 stars 
 It took me quite a while before I could finally settle on a rating for this book. While it followed the majority of YA tropes (e.g. prophecy about the main character one day being great, love triangles for both POVs, life or death competitions, siblings in danger, group of rebels, etc.), it still felt very new and refreshing. The world itself was probably the most original aspect of the book: I haven't read many stories based on Ancient Roman government and located in a Middle Eastern-inspired desert. 
 In many ways, this book was an exception for me. I can't recall a time where I was sucked into a story within the first page, yet as soon as I started, I found myself wholeheartedly committed. It was also told in dual perspective, something I usually dislike, since I tend to favor one character over the other. Again, this book was different. I loved both of the protagonists equally - the characters themselves, their development over the course of the story, their histories and storylines, relationships and motivations. Both were so relatable and wonderfully rich, and once their paths intertwined, they only added to each other. I think when an author chooses to write in dual perspective, it's supposed to enhance the story, and this is the only book I've read where that tactic was executed so well. I found myself getting excited every time the POVs changed, because I suddenly remembered how much I loved that character, and I couldn't wait to read more. 
 The only problem with this story was that some sections mirrored a lot of well-known YA storylines. For example, the Trials reminded me of Tris's training in Divergent, and the fight to the death scene was very reminiscent of the The Hunger Games. When I came across those scenes, it felt like I had read them before, which took my attention away from the action and excitement. But even though those parts of the story weren't as original, Sabaa Tahir still made up for it by placing fantasy-like elements/creatures and unexpected twists at perfect moments throughout the novel. Just when I would just start to think that a situation was too convenient, she'd change the game and keep me intrigued. 
 In the end, I adored this story, and I definitely will continue the series once the sequel comes out in the fall.