The darkling was honestly my favorite character, even with his surprising turn of personality. He was so well written and I immediately fell in love with his dark and charming manner. 
 Alina was a character whom I struggled with. At times I would hate her weak sense of being, and at times she would surprise me with her conviction and dare. At the end of the story, she truly amazed me, and immediately gained access to my heart. Any character fierce enough would. 
 I also loved Genya although she wasn't one of the major characters. 
 The story itself was very interesting and the idea of the Grisha was amazing. However, the story lacked a lot of information: how did the Grisha come to be? Why would some have similar powers while others were unique in theirs? I wish these questions will be answered in the second book. 
 One other thing that did not impress me was the speed in which this story was told. Events did not take place periodically, you just see them tumble over each other in the attempt to be done. 
 My two favorite parts of the story were the encounter with the stag and at the end, where Alina was absolutely fierce.