It's been years since I read the first book and I think about it often enough that I finally decided just to get the rest of the series out from the library and finish it. Not particularly amazing in any degree. I have the same sentiments as the first book: I think the world and political and magic systems need more development, even the development we got here did not help that much. I still question a lot of the characters' actions because I feel like I don't 100% know what is going on/motives. 

It's not poorly written, and if the subject matter won't so dark this could easily be a guilty pleasure the Kiera Kass's The Selection. I would still recommend this to Selection fans who wanted a stronger rebellion plot, as while still underdeveloped, the main character has a lot more to do with the rebellion and political change. 

The cliffhanger on this was 10/10. You knew it was coming, but it still hit hard when it was confirmed that's what actually happened. Ewing is a talented author, I'm just not sure the plot/concept of this book was right, to begin with. Will be finishing this series and I am interested in checking out her other work.