First off, let me say how much I LOVE Maya's character! She's someone who's definitely been lacking in relation to female protaginsts. Witty, confident and, heaven forbid, flirty! I adored her attitude and playful banter with her father. It's a relationship I was practically envious of, not to mention how her friends responded to her- at times it got a little unrealistic, like "hey your inexplicably popular and we would probably die or at least kill for you 'cos you funny" but hey, i was willing to indulge in it. I also appreciate how she didn't really take anyone's crap. Rather than swooning at a guy being up in your space unwanted, she tells him to back off rather than let herself get swayed. 
 (view spoiler)[ **Spoiler** One problem I did have with this book was how at the beginning that thing that pulled her under is never mentioned again, and the characters go on blaming themselves for not saving Serena from her freak accidental drowning despite there having been something that dragged her under?? 
 Also, just going to throw it out there I hope she ends up with Daniel. I've seen enough of mysterious hot rebels who always end up with the girl. I found Daniel to be so much more of an interesting and caring character that I hope he gets his chance and for once best friend doesn't get the crappy deal. Although I think he's awesome, i also think there is a slight problem with his personality. It's not very continuous. One minute he's confident and funny and all that, the next he's some wierd mutation of Derek from the previous darkest powers books which I don't appreciate. it's irritating. 
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 Despite there being minimal amounts of actual action, the book was still very enjoyable and didn't seem boring. It really created anticipation for the next book which I assume will make up for it with oodles of action.