*some spoilers ahead*

I had a hard time reading this one. I was so excited to read it; the story sounded interesting since the way the synopsis was presented had me thinking about battles, scheming, etc. Instead, the first half of the book was a drag. It's a slow build, and for the most of it, nothing really happens. The second half is what saved the book for me. It's the silver lining. It was full of action, full of plot twists. Basically all of the things I was looking for was crammed in that second half.
What I didn't like was the monotonous third person point of view. It seemed to me like it lacked emotion. I would have liked to know more on how the sisters feel about their situation and each other.
Also, Katharine and Pietyr? What's up with that? They kiss for a few times and they magically fall in love with each other? What were the precious moments they shared? What made Pietyr fall in love with Kat? What made Kat fall in love with him? I'm really having trouble wrapping my head around the idea of their relationship (especially after what Pietyr did at the end).
Also, Joseph? I understand that he was not himself when something happened between him and Mirabella the first time. But the other incidents? He could have stopped himself. He could have stopped Mirabella. Maybe he didn't really love Jules that much like he says, if he gives in so easily like this.

Well, this book has both good and bad factors. I am hoping the second book is better. Better flow of story, better point of view. Three stars of five!