This book was a surprise; I didn't expect to like it so much. 
 The plot is really interesting, this regime in which a group of private corporations hold the strings of humanity makes you think if in reality we are heading that way. It seems so sometimes. 
 The Spire reminds me of the school in Ender's game, but with happier characters. The dialogs between Vik and Tom are hilarious! The characters are loveable in their own way, but what I liked the best is the fact that neither of them is perfect, a born hero, a born leader, they all have flaws. This makes it easier for the reader to relate to them. There is a bit of romance, but it does not take over the amazing plot, just the way I like it. 
 In the end, you want to jump into the next book to continue to discover more about the world.