This book was quite the enjoyable although slightly nail-biting read. Alina, an orphan and member of the king's First army ignites a series of events in her life when she finds that she is a sun summoner. The word building is pretty cool. I found myself looking at the map quite often to get a feel where things were taking place. I liked Alina as a main character. She was very believable in her motives her actions and her decisions. I really enjoyed her friendship with Genya although I don't fully understand the purpose of her rivalry with Zoya. The Darkling was an interesting character to say the least. And Mal oh Mal. I really liked him towards the end of the book and it was all the feels. Overall, a good book that I would recommend.