this book is so amazing!!! when I bought it, I had low expectations but it really exceeded them! Alina is such a strong character and still, she needs to learn from the bottom to the top. I like that she is no Prodigy; she takes weeks to master a tiny fraction of her power and I'm glad of that! I can't believe I ever doubted Mal! He's such a sweet guy in the end. And the darkling! omg! that dude! so many mixed emotions about him. I hope his intentions get more clear in the second book. Damn! I can't believe I haven't bought the other two ! now, I'll have to wait months! oh well.... patienceee