You are immediately thrown into the politics of this story, without much warning. I think, as the story gives me more context, I'll find that I really enjoy the political aspect of the book. I do worry a bit that the romantic and political plot lines won't be able to merge together very well. I'm excited for the political aspects, but I have not yet grown any connection to the characters or any interest in them personally. The cover is quite pretty. I enjoy the woman being a collage of other things.