I found the book and interesting mix of science and magic/fantasy. There was a good mix of personalities between the main characters, and I loved the way that Navin's comic sarcasm and all around humor balanced out Donna's constant down turned looked on the world around her - tainted by the tragic events of her past. The intrigue of the alchemical world got better towards the end of the book as more was explained. Although this was only the first book and I'm sure more will be explained as the series goes on, I was a bit disappointed at how many character points as well as alchemical and magical aspects of the story were glossed over and were not attempted to be presented more clearly throughout the plot. I also found it hard to believe that the main character Donna never trusted the secret about her arms or her true life with her best friend Navin until the last moment, but she revealed all her secrets almost immediately to her love interest Xan - I just found this too typical of a silly love sick school girl story rather than realistic of true human relationships. All in all the The Iron Witch was an enjoyable read and I will be looking forward to how the story continues, delving into this new world, a mix of fey magic and science's alchemy.