The plot was decently interesting and refreshing in it how it deviated from a lot of current young adult story arcs/trends. The characters were somewhat interesting and the main character is competent in some fun and interesting ways. I was really enjoying the slow burn and very subtle "will they, won't they" of the romance... and then it had a defining moment where I just wasn't into it at all. For the plot and characters, I'm going to continue to the sequel. If this was a trilogy I might hesitate more, but as is I'm curious enough to see where it goes.