Tl;Dr: I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book. It almost hurts how flawless it is. Deep, intense friendships. A budding romance. Clever magic. Phenomenal world building. Everything a fantasy lover could ever ask for and more. 
 I am always hesitant to feed the fire of hyped up books, because I know it is something that turns some people off from reading them, because so often hyped up books don't live up to the expectations. But I assure you, this one does. Every amazing word you've heard is true. 
 All of the characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, are thoroughly developed and complex. Safi is the kind of flawed, hot-headed-yet-charming protagonist you can't help but love. Iseult is her near perfect opposite- calm, collected, but no less endearing. Merik is absolutely precious. I don't think he would take kindly to my describing him that way, but he so is. Strikingly handsome, determined, and constantly walking the line between sweet and snarky: 110% my kind of prince. 
 I also love that this book gives a voice to the Bloodwitch hunting them. Turns out there is more to Aeduan than that scowl he can't seem to shake off his face, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what direction he goes in in the next book. 
 The pace is phenomenal, both in plot and character development. What seems like nothing more than a minor subplot- a way to start the book off with a bang- seamlessly blends into the main story, so you're in the middle before you realize it has even begun. The romance is also refreshingly realistically paced- no love at first sight here, frustrated attraction on the other hand...well. I spent roughly half the book shouting "oh my god just get it on already!" Seriously. 
 The overarching plot for the trilogy is well established in Truthwitch, but it never once takes center stage, except perhaps for Aeduan near the end. Personally I think this ties into how well paced the story is; we are gradually given hints, and later clear statements, about the bigger story taking place in the background, but it does not overpower the immediate conflict coursing through their lives in the few days this book covers. It leaves you desperately needing more, without feeling like something was missing. 
 I cannot recommend this book enough. I no doubt that this is the beginning of a series that will be well remembered and regularly re-read.