When I picked up this novel I didn't expect to like it. If i'm honest I thought it would just be another annoying YA fairytale adaption filled with all the tropes and cliches that we've come to know. 
 However, I found myself suprising gripped by this book. That is not to say that it doesn't contain the tropes mentioned earlier, but that instead I sound myself able to ignore them. Some characters would benefit from more development such as, Captain of the Guard, Jalal al-Khoury. As of right now the only purpose he serves in the story is to push our two leads together. Whilst, we get hints about this loyality to Khalid I would have liked their relationship or at least his motivations to be explored more. 
 Shahrzad's character was intriguing. Of course she had the capabilites of making everyone around her love her for the most part. Yet, she was afraid of death. A small thing which served to make her character all the more realistic. Plus, I liked her resolve. 
 Additionally, I liked Khalid. Yet, I do wonder how he is king when he seems to do so little work in this respect, and no one to my knowledge mentions his capabilities as a leader. Certainly, the scene where Shahrzad meets his uncle and Khalid remain quiet says something of his ability as a Leader. 
 (view spoiler)[However, I do love the moral dilemna that the book brings forward. Is it okay to risk the lives of a few however loved they may be for the lives of the many? 
 certainly, from what we've about Shahrzad's friend and the afermath of her death we are inclined to think no, but at the same time spreading the loss to the many appears a horrific answer as well. (hide spoiler)] 
 For once I enjoyed the romance aspect in the novel. 
 "What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?" he whispered. 
 "If I'm a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed." The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest. 
 "No." His hands dropped to her waist. "Destroy me. > 
 maybe a bit reckless for a king but romantic nonetheless.