Actual rating 3.5 stars 
 overall I really did enjoy this book, I found myself eager to get home to read it! 
 The world building definitely could have been more extensive but it was still an interesting world. I really wish the book had been longer! 
 The main character was a bit confusing, she did have some insecurities about looks and placed a bit too much value on looks but she was also outspoken and spoke her mind. 
 (view spoiler)[I really loved the Darkling! The whole time after Bargha had told Alina to run I kept hoping she was lying and I find myself still hoping that the Darkling is actually good. I mean he wanted peace and no more war, right? sounds noble to me! Not a fan of Mal, for some reason i am not a fan of years old best friend realising what has been right in front of him the whole time. It was coincidentally after Alina became beautiful after she stopped repressing her powers. I think the Darkling is lonely and was really hurt that she betrayed him... Holding thumbs he has been misunderstood!(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]