This is the third Maas book I have picked up following ACOTAR and ACOMAF, and I must say since this was her first book written when she was just sixteen (wow!!!!) originally published in a website called FictionPress and was then published by Bloomsbury, her way of writing is really different in this one when compared to the two I've read in the past. And of course that change is for the better. I mean, wow, this book had quite a journey! Anyway, even though this was another series, I was mildly afraid of reading another one of her books because she writes so well! She paints surreal worlds that I just get into so fast. And also because I might get too much of her, but oh boy, I've come to realize that there's no such thing as too much Sarah J. Maas. NOTHING, I TELL YOU. Although the way of writing of this book is not particulary stellar as her writing in ACOMAF, I sure did find myself getting absorbed into the story slowly. And I will trust my book reviewers and fellow bloggers that this series gets better. 
 Major world-building. If you didn't know that this was a series you'd be perhaps irked as to why there are so many details on each little thing. Also, the particularly skimming-the-top of characters weren't really amicable. But then again, it's a series people so there'll be plenty of time for world and character exploration in the next books. I mean, I sure do hope so! I had some qualms while reading but I'm also recognizing the fact that this has so much potential to go over the horizon and I cannot wait to read the next books! 
 The preliminary chapters weren't really that good in my opinion. I would be lying if I say that I didn't have some troubles emerging myself again in a notion of a new world. I was kinda hoping that it would have the kind of elements like in the ACOTAR series but I was wrong. I mean, I'm not right yet. I don't know. Seems like there's a major magic shitstorm that's gonna happen in the next books. 
 Regarding the main character, Celeana Sardothien the wonderful, kick-ass assassin, well, I didn't like her so much because she seemed such a bitch and was actually arrogant at times AT FIRST. BUT, I liked her in the later parts because she proved to have redeemed herself (add the fact that she's head over heels about books, too!) and frankly, she was locked in a slave prison what did I honestly expect? That she would be the polite, soft-spoken lady like all those court women? Ha. No. On another note, may I just interject the wonderful, wonderful fact that this book has the prettiest character names ever? And also names that are hard to pronounce? Chaol's name's pronunciation is still a mystery to me. If you must know, I pronounce it "tsey-ohl" HAHAHAHA. 
 As far as I'm really into this, again, I feel like this one is a little wobbly on its own. BUT I ALSO HEARD GREAT THINGS FOR THE SECOND BOOK WHICH I AM ABSOLUTELY EXCITED TO READ! Crown of Midnight, I am coming brace yourself.