The world-building is amazing, and I'd compare it to a young adult George R.R. Martin. Bardugo bases her world in a Russianesque land, where magic has created a giant dead zone filled with dangerous predators that has to be crossed in order for countries to trade. In addition, there's a Henry VIII-like king, so consumed with his vices he forgets to maintain control of the various factions in his kingdom, a race of people able to use magic called the Grisha, and the Grisha's leader, the most manipulative and dashing villainous hero since Rhett Butler. Bardugo has an amazing ability to completely immerse the reader in her world, and the clothing and the food -- and her ability to kill off any character at any time -- will thrill fantasy readers.