One of the best urban fantasies I have read in ages. 
 There was just so much action as well, constant danger. 
 I love the spin on magic - there are some unique people who are able to use magic. Sensors who can (duh) sense emotions, Manipulators who can (duh) manipulate people, Strikhors (I am 90% sure I am spelling this wrong) people who can inflict unspeakable pain on people without a thought. And a name I can't remember for people who can cause pleasure. (I finished this book a few days ago and have already read 4 more, I am not forgetting because it wasn't good!!) 
 Okay, so besides these four types of people who can make their own magic there are others who use their abilities to store magic in objects called Relics, so that the Average Joe can use magic in his own life. 
 Ensue smuggling and stealing and all things mob-like. Because in each city there does seem to be a scary mob overlord who controls all magic in his area. 
 Now to address the obvious issue - the cursed love triangle. I like angst, but I hate love triangles because I somehow keep climbing on the wrong ship. Eg Mary Pearson's The Kiss of Deception. And Shadow and Bone. Because come on, The Darkling?? 
 But the romance was so backseat here, it hardly feels like a love triangle. The romance is usually one of my main focuses but here I actually didn't mind that it wasn't so in my face because everything was so intriguing and the plot was so good. 
 Mattie and Asa are both very entertaining main characters, even though Asa is so shrouded in mystery. 
 Dammit, Mattie. 
 Towards the end feelings do get called out and you do feel the love triangle, but I guess it had to happen. But some love triangles I laugh at because from how things are written it's so obvious who the author wants us to like, so there was no panic here. 
 A great plot and a unique premise, strong enough to overshadow the love triangle.