I came into this series not knowing exactly what to expect. I had skimmed over some of the reviews previously and even read the first few pages on Amazon months ago, but couldn't take that final step until it was recommended by a friend. WOW! I wish I had read this sooner. 
 This is one of those books that turns the non-reader into a reader. I thought it was that good. A truly beautifully written story. The description that comes to mind is hard core fairy tale. I mean a female lead character that is the deadliest assassin in the country, but just so happens to love shopping, going to royal balls, and swoons over a prince and captain of the guard. SJM just wrapped it all up into one character for everyone, but she didn't stop there. 
 The main characters, the history of their world, the magic system it's all slowly unfolding into a truly epic story that was hard to put down once I picked it up. I'm already half way through the second book as I write this review if that tells you anything. This one went straight to my favorites shelf when I was done. 
 5 stars!!!