I'd give this an exact 3.5 stars. I'd give it a 4 but it wouldn't be fair. 
 First of all, I was intrigued by the concept of this novel and wanted to see how this concept got executed. In which I did, of course. I almost gave up on this one, let me tell you. I almost did. But I didn't... And I'm glad. 
 The first half of this novel was unbearable. I'm not kidding. The first half basically annoyed me out of my guts. This part I'm telling you about is the part where I wanted to give up on this book. The concept of having banned love and then associating it with God is an idea that really doesn't agree with what I've been taught all throughout my upbringing and current adolescence. That is why the first half of this novel got on my nerves. It started demonstrating a world that 'hated' on love and it was unfathomable to me. My opinions on love being the very adhesive that holds humanity together is as unshakable as my faith in the belief that God is love and love is real. You get the idea. I just can't describe how much I detested the first half of this novel. 
 I'd have to admit that Lena Haloway had her Bella Swan moments as well. 
 The second half of this book impressed me. It made up for what the the first half lacked. I can't pinpoint what the first half didn't have but I guess I could try. Lena was kind of ignorant and fearful at the first half but here at the second half of this novel, we see someone bursting of courage. We see someone who'd break barriers for her loved ones. We see a butterfly encased in a jar who is now eager to break free from its restraints. I guess I gave Lena a chance since she was brought up in naivety... And that made it all worthwhile. I loved the part nearing the end and the climax. Kind of a cliffhanger but it's alright. I can't wait to read Pandemonium. 
 Needless to say, I wasn't completely gutted as I was impressed. But I guess, I've got a fair share of both.