Although I don't like period piece books (note I am still trying to finish Pride and Prejudge), I think I am going to like this series better than the MI series. 
 The characters and story are interesting. 
 Tessa- downworlder? we don't know quite yet all her powers entail and why she so important to the Magister. 
 Will- Witty, sarcastic, funny (hmmm...sounds familiar) 
 Jem-sweet, loyal, sensitive 
 I am still trying to wrap my head around a world that would have robots but people still drive horses and carriages but I guess that is the magic of books is that anything can happen!