I had some issues with this book but overall, I love all the characters and the world building. I couldn't decipher if I wanted to give this book a 3 or a 4. I did feel like I'd read some things mentioned in the book before but it's because of how much I read YA fantasy. Despite the similar elements to others, I think it shares its better qualities. I'm going to go ahead and read the next one. Hopefully, I'll enjoy it and the story will pick up much better than the first. Also, the Darkling. that's all I must say.