4.5 stars

• This defied all of my expectations.
• It drew me in with its gorgeous characters, suspenseful mystery, kickass battle scenes, creative magical system, and intriguing politics.
• Martin writes with beautiful imagery.
• The characterisation was wonderful. I came to love every single one of them.
• The lack of romance was refreshing, especially when there was such a prominent m/f friendship.
• I have never read anything like this before - with its combination of magic and politics - and it really drew me in.
• The introduction was a little rushed though, and the vampire lore a tad sloppy.