** spoiler alert ** 
 Let's start off by saying that this is honestly one of the best stories I have recently read. The actual storyline, plot, locations, characters were all intertwined and made for a pretty good read. 
 When I first picked up the book and started reading through the story I honestly expected to like it immediately, because of the 4&5 reviews I kept seeing on this book. Sadly, the story at the beginning was really bland for me. I could not connect with Caelena's character, and there were so many unanswered questions hanging as I read on. The main questions I kept referring back to where her upbringing (king of assassins needs to be explained more effectively!!), and losing her parents. I still don't know how exactly she lost her parents, or to whom? 
 And then we get to the competition part, which was supposed to be really interesting, however the author barely focused on explaining the actual concept and highlighting the personalities of the other champions. It just passed by in a blur. The infuriating part was that for the first couple of chapters all anyone could do was gawk at the marvelous beauty of our assassin Caelena. Honestly all the other topics melted away and all we could see was the prince oogling her and having too-soon thoughts about her. 
 Then, the story suddenly took a huge twist and became so interesting that I was almost burning through the pages just to complete the story!! The introduction of the beautiful and fierce princess Nehemia was a very welcome addition to the story, and I immediately fell in love with the princess. The introduction of the Wyrdmarks were also very interesting although we still do not know what they symbolize. There were also a few chapters that scared me so badly I had to keep looking over my shoulder haha. 
 The story managed to amaze me truly and that is why I gave it such a high rating despite the boringness of the beginning chapters. I am going to pick up book 2 of this series immediately!!