4.5/5 stars! 
 So I'm pretty sure I could really give this a 5 as well, it's just that the beginning kind of dragged a bit. (view spoiler)[and I really wanted Simon to know the truth about this parents at least before the book ended (hide spoiler)] 
 But all in all, it was an amazing story that had good pacing for the most part that allows you to easily learn about the world, the magic system, the ruling system, and most of all, the characters.