I'm almost lost for words writing this review. It's plain and simple: I loved this book. This is one of those stories that will stick with you for a long after it's over. You'll just trust me on this. 
 ...Oh, fine. Here is my late-night attempt to articulate: 
 The plot gets moving fast, and once it starts it does not stop. The twists and turns made for quite a ride all the way to the end. It's not predictable at all. There was some unexpected humor that caught me pleasantly off guard. It was cheeky and I loved it. But it also knew how and when to be serious. Very good balance and great use of contrast. 
 The setting and its politics were so wonderfully developed. The combination of the futuristic world of the upper class, the grungy lower class, and the dangerous wastelands surrounding the city is the best combination for dystopia. It is totally eye candy for the imagination. 
 The characters were quite original and I liked how each had their own drive guiding them. It rounded them out and justified their decisions. I worried a bit about Knox because he was a difficult character to like, but he eventually proved himself and grew on me. He's worth tolerating. Syd is really what drives this book, though. He made the perfect protagonist. He was just so real and deserved so much better. Easy to root for. (view spoiler)[I also adored Marie and her passion. The love triangle-ish-shape-thing that seemed to revolve around the three was quite entertaining too. The chemistry was strong and made for many amusing scenes! (hide spoiler)] 
 This is one book I'd happily read again and spread word on. Gonna smuggle it into as many recommendations as possible!