I can't remember the last time I read such a well-crafted YA novel. What a rich world Rachel Hartman has created. The book has its slow moments, but it hit all the right notes for me...political intrigue; crisp, witty writing; vibrantly drawn characters; and a level of originality and depth far too seldom seen in YA lately. 
 And I LOVE, LOVE Seraphina herself. She's a bold, plucky heroine with just enough vulnerability to tie my heart to her. 
 I am counting down the long months to a sequel.