I had a wonderful time reading this book. The world this story is set in is so wonderfully realised, detailed, and I always felt as if there was more to be discovered behind the next corner or on the next page. The language used and the names are such wonderful ways of conveying how this empire functions without info-dumping about it. I loved all the political intrigue, and the great character development Maia goes through. 
I must say I did appreciate the pronounciation guide at the front of the book though!

 2023 reread: Still an absolutely wonderful book to read and reread.