This was a fun and decently-paced read. It starts off fast and then slows down once Quell is out of danger for a while. I liked the chemistry between the leads, Quell and Jordan, and especially liked the development of their friendship first.
I wasn't really sucked into the world, though. At this point I've probably read too much YA fantasy, but not many books feel very original to me anymore. I also couldn't take the word for Quell's magic seriously, which was "toushana," especially when referred to as "my toushana." I can't say exactly why, but whenever the word came up it sounded like a weird euphemism to me. I also found the fact that her mom hadn't explained exactly what was going on, until they were actually in serious danger of being caught, to be pretty stupid.
This is the first book in a new series, and from my experience with book 1 I likely won't continue.
I wasn't really sucked into the world, though. At this point I've probably read too much YA fantasy, but not many books feel very original to me anymore. I also couldn't take the word for Quell's magic seriously, which was "toushana," especially when referred to as "my toushana." I can't say exactly why, but whenever the word came up it sounded like a weird euphemism to me. I also found the fact that her mom hadn't explained exactly what was going on, until they were actually in serious danger of being caught, to be pretty stupid.
This is the first book in a new series, and from my experience with book 1 I likely won't continue.