This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year so far! It has a great romance and action and really amazing development. But my favorite thing about this is the diversity it brings to the YA genre. The setting is very fascinating and it was refreshing to read. 
 The main character Shahrzad is one of the greatest. I didn't like her attitude in the beginning but I totally grew to love her. She is smart and confident and takes no ones BS. I really like that there is actually a girl she befriends in the palace (shout out to Despina!). Khalid is such an interesting character, there are many aspects to him. I love how his and Shahrdaz's relationship was developed. That actually reminded me a bit of Kestrela dn Arin from The Winner's Curse! All the minor characters are great too and have their purposes in the story. 
 The story really pulled me in and I just wanted read more and more and know everything about everything. This first book is an amazing start to a series (trilogy?) that promises so much to come and I can't wait to get my hands on The Rose and the Dagger! I want to know if there will be a war and where our girl is and what she's doing and I want Shahrzad and Khalid to have happy ending! I'm also really interrdted to learn more about the magic system, it seemed super fascinating. Exciting things to come for sure!