I was somewhat surprised by this book. I knew generally what it was about, but other than the basics I didn't really know what the storyline would be. I liked the strong-willed Rose. At time, however, I did think that the may have acted a bit irratinoally in some situations, but by the end of the book she dhas grown. She takes her responsibility towards Lissa very seriously, and the girls realtionship was very caring towards one another. By the end the bond between them is understood a little better. I know there are 6 books total in the series and they are all currently out. I do look forward to reading the rest of the series.