I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this one, but chose to give it 4 because I did read it in one sitting (and stayed up until nearly 2:30 am to do so). It reminded me a little bit of the Kushiel books, due to the fantasy-ish setting, the role of the gods, and the political intrigue. There was no graphic sex though, this being a YA book :P There was a fair bit of ridiculousness(view spoiler)[ (the part where Ismae used her body as a Bezoar stone to cure Duval of the poison was eye rolling to say the least. And it was fairly easy to guess that Cunard was behind everything) (hide spoiler)]. I thought that Ismae's relationship with Duval was underdeveloped, and I kept forgetting just how young the Duchess was, because she didn't once act like a 12 year old girl (though admittedly, she was a pretty important ruler). That being said, I really did like both main characters (Duval was a bit swoonworthy. Just sayin) and even though the political plot was a bit on the predictable side, I enjoyed that as well. I do wish that there had been a little bit more about Ismae's training though. Overall, though, an enjoyable read.