I tried reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy previously to reading this one, and while I enjoyed the first one, I couldn't finish the second. So, I started this one with no expectations despite the hype surrounding it. 
 Now I understand the hype. 
 It's rare to find a book with multiple point of views where you actually like all the characters. Even Kaz -despite him being infuriating at times. They were all twisted in their own way with the story to understand all their flaws. Their different history's helped me understand why some of them made the choices they did. 
 The characters were perfectly imperfect, which made me love them that much more. 
 Nina was probably my favorite... or Jesper. (view spoiler)[ And I am a total Nina and Matthias shipper<3 
 (hide spoiler)] 
 And the plot? 
 AMAZING. From start to finish this book had me hooked. Yes, I was concerned about the size of the book, predicting it would be a slow and long prod to the action. But, instead, it went against my worries and took me straight into action! 
 I really recommend this book for all YA fantasy fans. And you do not need read the trilogy - in fact, the Shadow and Bone trilogy kind of put me off this one.