the inspiration for this book is very clear, in that it's trying to sound like a victorian novel. And in a way, it does accomplish that, somewhat, but it takes a lot of the enjoyment out of reading, as sentences don't flow naturally. It is clear that this isn't the authors natural way of writing, which is a strain passed on onto the reader quite unfortunately. 
It is only for the characters that I did not put this book aside, and by characters I mean mainly Tom. It is hard to describe how delighted I was to find someone who is kind of like me as an intregal part of this fantastical world, and he was a great character that I wish I could be like. That is not to say he was the only character I felt for, Abel was an interesting one as well. And I really enjoyed murray until... I feel like his betrayal falls into a category of trope that I am not entirely comfortable with, in the casting of an (at this time in history) rather opressed and disadvantaged group of people, and depicting the one member of said people as a rogue. I was so disappointed, because the believe in the second sight is such an intergral part of scottish culture it could have led to so much more. I was hoping the author would go into this at all, and felt robbed when it wasn't.
As to Zachary himself.... my opinions are varied expecially in the early book, I was really annoyed with him, with this perfect little student that had powers and knew about everything. then i realised some parts of his character reminded me of a person with autism, and I really appreciate that bit of representation. as he grew up he became less annoying to read about, as he was seemingly depicted as less perfect, which saved the book for me.
you might notice I am mostly reviewing character writing, this is because the story did not stand out to me as anything special. it was not bad, but not particularly new or refreshing either. Zachary's future sight also took some of the stakes away, as we knew going in that he and his father would survive. The ending being somewhat spoiled is something often seen in victorian novels, so I understand the inspiration, but I am not sure it works particularly well here.

All in all, enjoyable enough read, would recommend, but understanding the caviat that the writing style is rather dry.