I was skeptical when I picked this book up, and I admit that I do judge a book by its cover. It seemed like many of the books I've read before, and I'd just tried Shadow and Bone etc. But this one is a bit different - its of the up and coming New Adult genre, with YA overtones and adult themes. Honestly this book makes no sense - a post-Apocalyptic world with Middle Age technology, sorcery, and magic stones. It throws in some feminism, slavery and rape, and the issue of separation of church and state. Its trying to do a lot, but kind of like a J.J. Abrams TV show, it works because the elements are all familiar. Erika Johansen has created an interesting world. I'm intrigued enough to read the next one.

Note: The "Tearling" initially confused me, because while the "Darkling" is a character in Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series, the Tearling is a country. Or province. Or territory. Whatever. Also, Emma Watson is going to play Queen Kelsea. But Queen Kelsea is ugly. Again, whatever.