I think there is a good basis for a world here, but unfortunately it never really grows into itself. Our lead, Jayin, briefly scoffs at Maddix's lack of knowledge about how magic works in this world, but it feels like we're in the same boat. We're never given any insight into the magic system beyond the types of witches there are and that there's something called the Dark. 

The fact that almost every side characters feel so flat and unrealized also does little to flesh out the world. There were so many instances of "character introduction only to disappear in a chapter or less." You think that they're going to be big characters, but they unceremoniously drop off at the oddest times.

Hale and the witchhunters basically blink out of existence a little over half of the way through and it's odd that they just...disappear? Given how dead set they are on capturing Jayin and Maddix. I guess they just figure them as good as dead when they go through Kaddan? Not very thorough of an evil plan.

Nonetheless, the book had a good pace to it. Nothing ever felt rushed or dragged out. With a bit more focus and detail, I think it could have been a very promising start. It's sad that I think the series has mostly been abandoned since there's been no word on a second book in the six years it's been out and I can't find any author information. Sort of a missed opportunity.