4.5 
 I had a good feeling about this book. That feeling of having to read something I've long been looking for in a book. Which was why I read it waaay too early than I initially planned. And damn right I was. My hunch was. 
 So unexpectedly good. So unexpectedly evil. I may have had an idea or two about this book from its synopsis and blurb but oh my gosh it still made me so surprised so many times. Mainly in good ways (fair amount in bad ways too). The setting (forest trees), and what the main characters are up against (spirits! I imagined these spirits as twisted versions of those embodied magical cards in Japanese anime, Cardcaptor Sakura), made this book a refreshing read because they're definitely very unique. 
 I admired the headstrong Daleina and liked that she had the weakest power although she made it up with her strong determination and perserverance. I loved everything about her experience in the academy. The entrance test, the lovely friendships, Bayne the wolf, spirit summonings and most especially Merecot! I'm gonna special-mention Merecot because she's the girl that everything Daleina was not. Not that I didn't love the latter. Merecot's arrogant (-bitch lol), the strongest and the most talented. I thought I was supposed to hate her. Yet...surprise! I ended up loving her character. I was so genuinely saddened by her abrupt MIA-ing. Even almost gave up reading then. (Mental rating of 5 slid down to 4.5 stars). She's easily the most interesting character for me. She's another main reason to look forward to the next and why a second book is a must! 
 Letdown was-- Daleina's training with Champion Ven wasn't good enough for me. It did not really satisty me as it should. And Hamon... honestly, I couldn't even care less if he dies. He's righteous and reasonable at times but he annoyed me. A lovesick and a sissy. It's like that's all he ever was. 4.5 turned 4 stars. 
 Among the plenty of emotional suprises this book had slung, the one that truly tilted my own conjured world was the awaited "main event" that happened near the end. I could not even begin to describe how so unexpected, so heart-poundingly cruel that was! Sigh. Another book to add in my growing list of books with didn't-see-that-evil-one-coming ending! This one might even climb the charts. From 4 back to 4.5 stars. 
 My theme song for Daleina in the Academy: 
 Hope Will Lead Us On - BarlowGirl