** spoiler alert ** 
 Loved this book. Characterization of the main characters was phenomenal and although I had some problems with Laia at first I realized about a quarter of the way through that her weakness is necessary in order for her to grow as a character. Elias's voice is so compelling and his disgust for the Empire is so palpable, hard not to love his strength as a character and the things that motivate him to do what he knows must be done in order to survive. Great story, looking forward to the next one!