I liked the uniqueness of the story, and the world building. The beginning with the giving over the children made me tear up with sadness.
When they showed up to the walled village filled with white people whom have never seen a colored person before, I thought that was interesting.
This is on the younger side of YA, and it definitely felt like it. Isika is only 14 (I think) after all, so it makes sense that there would be a bit of immaturity and arrogance coming from one so young.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and it didn't really have an emotional impact beyond slight irritation at the children's thought processes.
I did have a good time with it though, but I'm probably not going to continue with the series.