I think that I gave up on this book too soon the first time I read it, only making it through section 1 of 3. The second time around I slowed down and allowed myself no distractions, which made the read go a bit faster. 
 Once Katsa and Po left Randa's Palace in section 2, the story really picked up for me. 
 For a fantasy book, I was less than impressed with the actual story and world building. What shone for me was the relationship between Katsa and Po, as well as their mutual interactions with the little girl known as Bitterblue, heir to the throne of her country. 
 Was this book one of my favorites in the fantasy genre? Not by a long shot, but it was still an okay read.