I picked this book up on a whim due to its placement on a top SF/F list of 2013 and since then, it has been the first book I recommend to absolutely everyone, even those who were looking for a history or romance read (I'm trying to help expand your mind!). 
 It's not the easiest book to read - the default pronoun is "she" and not "he," since the language of the main character doesn't differentiate genders, so you have to stop and think about what it is you're reading. Is this person a female? Or a male? And then you have to stop and think about why you care so much. Is gender that important to us? Why does it make such a difference in whether we classify one character as forward or flirty, or another as catty or petulant? 
 Beyond the thought-provokingness, which is admittedly great and something I wish more books did, the story itself is fantastic. You've got revenge, world-building, and epic quests, all featuring memorable and unique characters (these are not cookie cutter archetypes - I've never read another Breq or Seivarden) and tight writing. I know the third book isn't being released until October, but I'm so eager to see what happens I can't help checking every week or so in case I miraculously find that it's already out in stores :)