I liked this book, a lot, because of its historical intrigue and societal injustices; the general air of mystery drew me in from the first page, and I couldn't put it down. I did, however, expect more of a magical element, which by the end of the book felt was lacking. It is certainly worth the read--full of drama and complex relationships--but it's not for the faint of heart. Difficult topics are discussed through the point of view character's experience and there were sections hard to stomach (for their varying levels of sadness and anxiety). It's a great option for those who like historical fiction, and I'm curious how the next book follows, what fresh pieces of the mysteries they'll unveil.