Wow. What an amazing book. Loved, loved, loved. The writing is amazing and beautiful and descriptive, yet doesn't call attention to itself. All the characters are fully realized and realistic, and while some are indisputably villains, they aren't one dimensional Disney villains. They have motives and forces that drive them that are understandable. 
 My only complaint about this book is the romantic aspect. I get so creeped out by the much older man--no matter how young he may look--and the young girl over whom he has authority--no matter how powerful she may be. But even that, I thought, was fairly well done in a way to give her autonomy. It's still just kind of icky, even if I can't help but root for it by the end. 
 Definitely the best book I have read so far this year.