I have mixed feelings about this one. It had a good start. In fact, at first I was like 
 Deep inside I was 
 But then, when I finished the book, I felt like nothing happened. Was it me or the book lacked some sense and feels? 
 It was good, but it wasn't amazing. There were so many times that I needed to put the book down and took a few deep breath to calm myself, because it was boring and tedious. I've never been disappointed in a book before. I went in to this with huge expectations. Perhaps my expectations were impossibly high. 
 The never-ending cycle of romantic scenes and undeniably corny and cheesy lines were wearisome and annoying that frustrated me big time. Alina was one of the most confusing main character I've had ever encountered. A few times I thought her issues and problems were conveniently solved, but sadly, no. She seems like enjoying her life in complexity. 
 Her love affair had lost it's substance, too. There was absolutely no connection and emotion involved with Mal, or even with Nikolai. It felt like Alina was forced to love or like them because she had no choice, or was just confused. 
 What happened to the exciting scenes? Too much political and religious setting! Too many run around in circles. Ugh. I found myself zoned out most of the times and I swear I skipped a lot of parts. I could've thrown the book away if I wanted to. 
 I am so sorry that this review have heaps of rants. Anyway, without giving away any spoiler, I will say that the book was better in the last section, although, again, it became less interesting in the middle. But overall, I am still looking forward to following her on her journey until the end. 
 Final rating: 2.5 stars