I'm slightly conflicted. There were several minor things in this book that keep me from jumping into the completely head over heels in love camp. To start - the world building wasn't completely fleshed out, so I felt as though I was just thrown into this world and left to piece it together mostly on my own. I'm hoping for more development in this area in the next book! It also seemed like this book was less fantasy driven, and more overpowered with mean girls, the Grisha, nobility, and a huge influx of random information about the Grisha. I was expecting a little more bad-assery, based on the synopsis of the book, but have heard that this is remedied in the second book. 
 Alina was a character that I just didn't really connect with, at all. It felt like there was a constant battle for consistency in her personality, and what irritated me most was that she often equated her lack of being able to engage and control her magic with her appearance. Her self doubt is what really put me on edge. 
 I adored The Darkling - I can't WAIT to see more of his cunning and evil character in the next installment of this series. Mal is okay, but to me he came off as being rather dull. I'm obviously rooting for Alina and The Darkling, but I don't think that's actually going to happen. 
 Overall, I did enjoy reading the book but hope that the sequel will help alleviate some of my minor qualms. It was fast paced, and held my attention. Leigh Bardugo's writing style is lovely and simple, which makes it easy to read and understand.