This book deals with some serious issues. And it dumps you right in the deep end, so be prepared for that. And by that I mean that the story starts off on a very somber tone. 
 I'm not going to lie, when I first met Olivia I didn't think I was going to like her. I thought she seemed weak and wouldn't be able to help anyone, let alone herself. Nothing could be further from the truth! She really grew as the story progressed. I was so happy to be proven wrong and I ended up loving her! 
 And then there is Jude. Sweet, sweet Jude. Even when I knew he was hiding something and we had not found out what it was yet, I knew I would still like him. Because he is just that adorable guy. The romance in Emerald City is so heartwarming and cute. I love reading about them. I can't wait to see what is in store for them in the next book. From the way Emerald City ended, there are going to be more than a few new things to explore. I think the second book has the potential to be even better than this one! 
 The only thing that bugged me a little bit was that the world was painted out to be such a bad place. I understand and agree that there is evil out there and that people sometimes aren't the greatest. But I really do believe in the good of people. I guess it just made me a little sad to think that Olivia had such a bad view of the world. But the book is realistic and vivid. I loved the journey that the story took me on. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next one!