I applaud Marie Lu for stepping out of her usual, normative writing, however, this novel seems lack luster. Marie Lu is a talented writer and certainly has a way with words, as I am a huge fan of her other words. However, as I said, this novel seems to be lacking her usual spark. The cover of the novel is certainly one of her best, and her writing is just as great, but the premise just seems... boring. I'd love the chance to change my mind.