March 14, 2015: Re-read! I was super excited for Shadow Scale coming out but I knew I was pretty fuzzy on Seraphina since I'd read it so long ago. I was a little anxious that it wouldn't live up to my memory but it was just as good the second time around. 
 January 22, 2013: Wow, I knew the book had good reviews but I wasn't sure it'd live up to it. But it definitely grabbed my attention and didn't let go. After starting the book, I was trying to think how I would articulate what a good beginning the book starts with. I'm still not sure what it is, but some kind of combination of being immediately dropped in the story, and the writing not assuming that the reader is an idiot. The introduction from Phina's point of view may seem a bit overwhelming with all the unknown elements, but it all comes together organically that never feels like pedantic world-building. Other than that, the character of Phina is really just awesome, and her voice and character growth are what drives the first third or so of the book, until the plot becomes more of a feature. I definitely can't wait for the sequel, I'm a little torn between really enjoying this book and wishing I hadn't got into it until a few more books were out.