I choose 4 out of 5 stars simply because the authors choice on what to go in depth about and what to cut short left me a bit agitated. It seemed that she could have gone into much more depth at times, leaving the reader with a bit to much to create within their own imaginings and other times The story would unwind for a very long time at what seemed to be something no more or less significant then the the parts that were cut short. I feel this book should have been longer, and edited differently. Over all it is a four star book. Katsa is a darling of a Heroine despite how easily she can kill physically, it taxes her greatly emotionally. I think there are hints at Feminism in the fact that Katsa Chooses to never marry and to teach young girls within the seven kingdoms self defense and basic combat skills. I also think it hints at gay rights,, Prince Raffin Never wants to marry either but for a different reason,. He is never in the company of girls nor does he seek to be even though he is a handsome and wealthy bachelor and Heir to The throne in the Middluns, yet he always has a young man named Bann at his side, always making reasons to his father, King Randa, for Banns company. In order to keep this a spoiler free as I can, I will be Vague and say that the themes of this book are bold ones, Rebellion, Speaking out, Feminism, Gay rights, Murder, Torture and redemption. A First of what is to be a Intresting Trilogy.