I started this very unsure. I have almost given up on reading YA Fantasy. But this, THIS book, was so well done. The writing was great. The story was phenomenal. The story moved so well and there were no stagnent parts. I absolutely loved it. I wasnt exactly thrilled with a *spoiler alert* cliff hanger ending but... it did end. So, of course, Im off to get the second book. HIGHLY recommend.