Once again, a very enjoyable and lively read from Marissa Meyer. I'm so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. It's been amazing to follow her from her fan fiction days. 
 I struggled over the rating of this book, but eventually gave it five stars. I felt like the ending managed to smooth over the small scruples that I had with it. They were indeed minuscule and will not cause any pause in most readers, but I have exacting standards in some areas. Unfortunately I've done so much research and am learned enough (though I do not claim to be an expert by any means) in security that much of the last third of the book left me groaning. I think only the late Tom Clancy had enough knowledge to write well in that area... for which he'll be missed. 
 In the last few chapters of the book, it was wonderful to see the character growth and that was what pushed me towards the five star rating. Meyer does characters well, and I loved that Cress proved to be strong, resilient, and resourceful... and showed that she could be all those things while realistically not being a pumped up feisty fighter... Scarlet already fit into that description. Meyer has also masterfully kept the tension rising and the raises the stakes by the end of the story. 
 All in all, I'll say this: 
 It'll be damn hard to wait for Winter.