Okay first of all: Homegirl in this book needs to chill with depending on men. Insta-love and man-obsessing all around. 
 Like when she wasn't obsessing over the Darkling she was obsessing over Mal. Obsessing about possibly being in love because a dude showed her attention. And when she wasn't doing that she was thinking about appearances. And when she wasn't doing that she was being jealous over other girls. A huge never-ending cycle that frustrated the shit out of me. 
 In addition to this, all of her relationships had almost no substance. Even with Mal, who SHE SHOULD have chemistry with and devotion to, she is constantly doubting that he cares for her and whether he wants to spend time with her. 
 Are you fucking kidding me? 
 GIRL. He is your best friend and has been since you were basically a zygote. Why are you doubting all this. 
 The author relates their conversations as if they are from afar, telling unfamiliar anecdotes in passing that makes it seem like they're really connecting but never truly providing the fuel for me to believe that. They grew up together and have depended on each other for so many years, yet Alina faces Mal with the giddiness and uneasiness as you would a highschool crush that you haven't talked to since the time three weeks ago that he asked for a pencil in science class. It all seemed highly unrealistic and conveniently easy to just tell us that they are super close, but not show us. 
 She's always doubting herself and often being petty with other girls. Occasionally in random moments it felt like the author wanted to make her strong-willed or something so she spoke her mind and stood up for herself. But other than that, she literally had no personality. 
 As for the plot, it was a interesting premise but left much to be desired. Things just randomly fell into place at the most convenient times, leaving the whole thing seeming underdeveloped and cliche. 
 I did ultimately enjoy the book though, despite my aforementioned issues with it, so that's why it got three stars from me. :) 
 P.S. Also I thought it was clever that the mc was named Alina Starkov since I think Alina means "light" and Starkov actually has the word "star" in it.