Could the worldbuilding be better? Absolutely. Could the court intrigue be more developed? Sure. Could it be richer, more colorful? Possibly. Regardless, I loved this book. What it lacked on everything else, it absolved itself with its characters. I've seen much about Jude and Cardan around and am glad to say they did not disappoint.

Buddy reading this trilogy with Ailin, with whom I share many favorite characters, and so now we must cry over Cardan together.