This book is extremely well constructed. The character analysis/ development shown throughout is something I rarely see when reading. By this I mean, it's not immediately apparent what is going to happen between the two main characters. If I didn't know this was a romance, I would have doubted that would come to pass based on how much they both hate each other. It shows the mark of a truly good writer that makes the character's growth slow and gradual; it allows the relationship to be more realistic and natural. There are no rushed conclusions or obvious will-they-won't-they drama (although I definitely want them to). Instead it focuses on the development of these two separate and distinct characters in a dramatic setting/situation. 
 Furthermore, this story has a certain "epicness" to it that defies what I was originally expecting from this book. I went into this story expecting to find an immediate and desperate m-m erotic romance. Instead, the characters are placed in a complex setting with complex personalities and a rough political climate. The plot could have easily been somewhat trashy or ridiculous, but instead it provoked thought and displayed a believable, and somewhat dystopian culture, to which our main character is also unfamiliar. Bottom line, I underestimated this book. It presented so much more than I thought it would. 
 I genuinely wish this book was longer. I can't wait for the next installment to arrive in the mail.