3.5 stars!

This was a really enjoyable read. I was surprised to find out that even though the book is YA, it felt more like mature. Not that there is anything wrong with YA, but it just surprised me in the best way! I really liked the developed Kelsea had towards her role as queen and how the situation of her The Tearling was explained. The pace was slow, but I didn't have trouble with it. The writing was also really easy to get into.

So why didn't it get a higher rating? I felt I missed some answers. I'm aware that this is a trilogy, but it didn't completely feel like a complete book on its own. Not every book has to be a 'complete' book, that is fine. But I felt too much was left unanswered. It made the story unsatisfying. I'm pretty sure that I will get my answers in the next instalments, but it felt like too much was left in the dark. The world building was also lacking a bit, because it seemed like it was some sort of futuristic version of Europe, which was sort of confusing. I wish that could have been more explained. I also got tired of how Kelsea described herself as 'plain' all the time, in my opinion, being called plain does not give me any clues on how someone looks like. Everyone has unique features, you only have to look hard enough to find them. But not just that .. it just bothered me in a way I can't explain right now.

But even so, I really did enjoy the book and I'm looking forward to the next one. There are some characters in this book I'm really fascinated by, and I'm looking forward to learn more about them. The Fetch, Mace and Pen particularly. There was also basically no romance in it, but its hinting towards it. Let's just say: I'm curious.

So, not the best nor the worst. But definitely a book I would recommend!