Late in adding this as I have already finished the entire series. I know some may read this and say 'Wow! It was that good!?' but I would have to say no. I liked it but more than anything I found myself ready to push through it so I can move on. 
 At first I thought this was an improvement over the first book, Poison Study, but as I went I begin to feel its the same as before. Some things were still handled in a clumsy manner. I simply could not find belief in Yelena and Valek's relationship. It just wasn't sold to me at all which made it difficult to relate to the main character on many occassions. 
 While I still appreciate Yelena as a character I had some issues. I have a hard time seeing this young woman (I believe she is still about 20 when all this happens) suddenly taking on the weight of the world so quickly. Did she pause to breath? Just seems to all happen a bit too fast. Not to mention I had a hard time going with how the teachers at her school seemed to do little about her learning. They have an ethic code in regards to magic but let an unlearned student just run around the countryside? I just find that a bit hard to believe. 
 I still liked Yelena as a character as I have read some poor female characters lately which made me still enjoy the book. It's a good read still like Poison Study but I can see folks walking on a line on whether they enjoy it or not.