January 12, 2014 - Re-read. I think I was about one word into a different book's prequel and it made me think of this book, and before I knew it I'd read half the book before going to bed. I'd probably call this a 3 or 3.5 this time around, but still enjoyable. And nice to know that there *is* a sequel! even if I haven't gotten around to getting it yet. I just can't quite justify the 13.99$ cost for an e-book. 
 October 8, 2011 I don't know what it is about Sharon Shinn, but I find her books so engaging. The very first bit had me a bit worried, the introduction of a new world had a bit too much going on. It reminded me of this: http://xkcd.com/483 . Once I got past that though I quite enjoyed Zoe's journey. One thing that I enjoy about Shinn's stories are the small little incidents that may only peripherally move the plot forward but feature a sweet kind of character interaction. The court intrigue bits reminded me a little of Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith. One thing that I kept wondering, though, was the relative age of Zoe. The cover made it seem like she's in her mid-teens or something but from a throwaway comment 1/3 of the way in, I gather she's more like 23. 
 Once I finished the book I was hoping that this novel would be the set-up for another series, but for now it seems like a standalone.