Intriguing concept with bland writing. Easy read if you have time, but the quality is about 4 out of 10. 
 As an aside-it does not cease to amaze me how any writers associated with Scott Westerfield & Holly Black's group are mediocre at best. Westerfield & Libba Bray are the only two who have written anything that good. This author is a perfect example of the good concept/poor characterization/wandering melodrama that seems to afflict the group. 
 Maybe they should write operas. 
 Just a thought.