I enjoyed this book enough to give it four stars, but settled on three because there was too much weak plotting. I also expect a bigger cast when the entire story takes place in a castle.

I actually liked the relationship between Lark and Tiras because I felt like they deserved each other (both being temper-tantrum-throwing children) and so I could enjoy it without being too annoyed. I also felt like they meant well.

I really loved the world, and all the powers, and Lark's poetry added a measure of loveliness that I really enjoyed.

I did not see it coming that Zoltev was actually the bad guy, and that was awesome.

But it made no sense that after decades of this country killing anyone with powers, that there would be dozens and dozens and dozens of them still alive and working magic (including most of the actual royalty who was clamoring for their deaths). A few I expected, but those numbers were absurd.

I also think Kjell was a weak character, and I can only assume that's so he can grow in the sequel, but he was disappointing. Boojohni was a treat and I really enjoyed him.