The beginning of the book, I felt, was very well written. I was immediately engrossed with the Russian-inspired vocabulary, the wintery setting, and of course, the magic. How many books have people with powers sorted by their "personality" or "affinity" or "skill set"? The Divergent series comes to mind. But somehow, this felt a little different. Have I found my next YA book obsession?

Fast forward 150 pages. The book suddenly turned petty: make-up, clothes, gossip, boys. This was not what I imagined. What about the world of Ravka, the different Grisha, their powers, their interactions? I wanted to read about the magical devices the Fabrikators made, and exhibitions of Grisha powers. I can find gossip any day at the office, for crying out loud. Spoilers follow, but let me just say that Leigh Bardugo took some shortcuts. Many things aren't explained or are too quickly wrapped up. For example...

BAM! Suddenly Alina is able to use her power, after just two pages of exploration and what seems like fifty pages of frustration. Seems like the author is getting tired here. The Apparat's role wasn't properly explained. Is he a prophet, enemy, or friend? The Darkling just kisses Alina out of nowhere and suddenly she loves him? Sorry, but blech! What about how Mal magically finds Alina in the forest after she runs away? I was shaking my head.

Okay, so my frustrations are out. I think Bardugo has talent, and I'm willing to give the next book a chance. Perhaps her writing will progress. Recommended if you enjoy characters who have special powers and if you enjoy books with a bit of glamour and intrigue.

Quotes:
I snapped, and took some satisfaction from the surprise that came over his broad face. People, particularly big men carrying big rifles, don't expect lip from a scrawny thing like me. (page 8-9)

"Do you ask your heart to beat or your lungs to breathe? Your power serves you because that is its purpose, because it cannot help but serve you." (Baghra, page 185)

I'd been lonely my whole life, but I'd never been truly alone before, and it wasn't nearly as scary as I'd imagined. (page 250)