So this book has been sitting on my shelves for over three years. I started reading this book back in the fall, but ultimately put it down briefly in favor of another book. The beginning sucked me in, but didn't quite manage to grip onto me as tightly as other books have in the past, which I think is why I ultimately put it down in the first place. 
 Once I started to see the book as an individual, rather than another fast-paced YA fantasy, I was able to better appreciate the slower pace. It allowed me to really soak in the details, and after finishing the book, I am happy to say that this was a very pleasant and solid start to this fantasy series. I do think that this book focused much more on world building and history rather than plot, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 
 What I really liked was the constant POV change from Han/Cuffs and Raisa, and the clear development of the characters as the story progressed. DANG I ADORE RAISA. I'm genuinely excited for her storyline, because she is a true queen. She is courageous, headstrong, caring, but still maintains some of that innocence and naivety of a sixteen year old girl. She also refuses to marry young, and that's one of the reasons I love her most. Han/Cuffs was just alright, I initially found his character to be pretty bland, but I have no doubt that he will grow on me. 
 Despite it being marketed towards a younger audience (the main characters ranged from ages 15-17), I found it to be a satisfying read, and something I would have absolutely adored as a young adult. 
 Overall rating is a 3.5.