I have very mixed feelings about this book. 

Overall I really liked the world, story and characters. I enjoyed seeing the interactions and learning new things about the world, especially the power structure which was really interesting to me. I found it to be an incredibly interesting premise and it was a fun way to play it out. 

The reason I gave the book such a rating is because of the writing, to be honest. I don't usually rate books based on the writing but more on how much I enjoyed them. Unfortunately, the writing was such that I couldn't ignore it and it got in the way of my enjoyment. There were many times throughout the book when I would be reading and all of a sudden get very confused about what was happening, who was talking, or what they were talking about. I feel some things in the relationship dynamics especially in the explanation of some of the magic could have been addressed better. 

Another issue I had (and this is completely just personal opinion and preference) was the character's hesitancy in admitting their feelings. Logically I understand why these were the issues they were, but after a while, it became incredibly tedious and tiring to me. They would act and speak as if they were admitting their feelings for one another but then immediately turn and be like but I am not in love because I don't believe in such an emotion. Just not my thing. 

I'm giving it this rating with the hopes that the second book will improve.