3.5 stars! 
 I'm going to be honest, for the first 100 or so pages, I was kind of bored and not really into it. The premise was interesting enough, (view spoiler)[- monsters that are 'born' out of sin/crime? monsters that steal the souls of humans via song and music? I love it - (hide spoiler)] but I was bored by the highschool setting (which didn't end up being a problem because they moved away from it, thank god), it felt a little generic and familiar, and some of the character's behaviour (Kate's in particular) was a little bit irritating at times. 
 BUT it got better. I ended up flying through the book and though I predicted a lot of the stuff that happened, I still enjoyed myself. Kate grew (and grew on me, as a result) and I adored August and Ilsa. Also: no forced, shoehorned romance. I am so, so thankful. I can't believe I have to wait another few months for the sequel. :(