For once the blurb pretty much hit the nail on the head, so I'm not going to expand on the story line. 
 I enjoyed the use of magic during actual combat. The plot is interesting enough that I didn't get bored. 
 Ryiah is hard-headed and determined. 
 I would join Combat or die trying... A fine choice of words. What had been meant as a melodramatic proclamation was now to be my intended irony. 
 Albeit it somewhat bull-headed. She was an easy MC to like. 
 I really liked Darren, he reminded me a little of Aldrik from Air Awakens, although Aldrik still has my heart firmly in his grip. Sarcastic Prince who is entitled but somehow manages to be wise at the same time. He works hard to earn his place at the Academy. 
 I loved their interactions, most of the time they left me laughing out loud. 
 "Adversity teaches one more than flattery ever will." 
 "I wonder if you have ever given someone a compliment that wasn't a backhanded insult." 
 Darren's grasp on the handle stilled, and he glanced back at me, eyes dancing amidst the surrounding shadows. "I prefer not to, it gives people an unsettling impression of self-importance." 
 "The people that tell you what you want to hear are the most dangerous enemies you'll ever meet."