Again, a bit too much romance in a book. However, i loved the couple Brishen and Ildiko made. It wasn't the classic arranged marriage story where she hates him and he is cold but then turns magically into love. They are both determined to make their relationship work, if not love, at least a relationship based on friendship and companionship. Of course it turns to love, but I was glad to read they tried from the beginning. 
 i would have liked to read more about their world and about its history, the sequel looks really good!