I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I could hardly put it down until I had read the last page.

Marie Rutkoski's writing is strikingly beautiful. She is a wordsmith, and I was captivated by every single sentence.

Kestrel is an amazing YA female protagonist. She is strong, but not a fighter. Likable and distinct from the crowd of young female protags. She has believable relationships with parental figures, both male and female friends, and the fact that her bond with Arin is rooted in friendship before romance makes my heart sing with happiness. I also enjoyed Kestrel's talent with people. Perception isn't the typical character strength I have seen in YA fiction.

I was worried that there would be the instant love when Kestrel first brings Arin home from the auction, but there wasn't.

The cultures in this book are so realistic that I wouldn't be phased at all if I were to discover that they existed alongside ancient Rome. I struggle to become immersed into fantasy, but I fell headfirst into this world and into the knotted relationship between the Valorians and the Herrani. Rutkoski's creation of the Bite and Sting game, her war tactics, and even the use of language between Arin and Kestrel are all stunning and well-done.

I adored this book, much more than I thought I would, and I will be the first in line to buy the next one.