We all waited for so long. So, so long. And a part of me wondered if it would ever be released. Would we get this book? We did! 
 I'm glad we waited, it's better than being delivered a book that doesn't live up to your expectations. 
 The first thing I really enjoyed about this book was the setting. So familiar, yet different. It made it so easy to place the new set of characters as the world is familiar to the reader already. 
 I don't know how I feel about Clariel. I was sure I wasn't going to like her because of who she becomes but that wasn't the case in the end. Yes, she's not entirely likable, she has one goal and doesn't think about other people in general, instead only focussing on how to be where she wants to. But on the other hand, when you realise how the balance inside of her has always been tipped towards free magic is that really surprising. It's as though no matter what she does, she was predisposed to it and regardless of events that occur she cannot do anything to change it. 
 So that is interesting, rather than being a character that chooses to do good or bad things, in many ways she has little choice because of something so instinctual that is a part of her. 
 I also liked how there is some ambiguity to the ending. We know what ultimately happens to Clariel so I didn't feel like i'd been denied a true explanation. We know who she is now, so have all our answers. 
 I'm looking forward to the next old kingdom book a lot, I miss the characters and want to know what happens in the next part of their story.