So, overall I liked this book. However, it did take me a while to get to the point where I liked it. At first I thought it was just going to be a sex and political intrigue book and, in truth it is. But it becomes really interesting and suspenseful for the most part as Phedre rises from an unwanted whore child to savior of the realm. 
 Outside of the plot I was not incredibly impressed. I found most of the characters fairly static, most importantly Phedre, though Joscelin and Ysandre made up for this. Also, Carey's writing sytle was awkward at times, with the entire novel being told basically as a flashback; there were difficulties too in her wording, making too much of an effort to sound eloquent perhaps, that came out awkward and unrealistic. 
 So, yes, I did enjoy the plot but felt that the book could've been better if it weren't so awkward and difficult to read. Not sure if I'll continue the series.