Second read:
Yes, it is illogical to post a second time reading-review on top of the first one, but this works better in the update feed :)

So, I reread this in a group read with some friends. I'm really glad I reread before starting the sequel because it felt almost like a new book to me, so much I'd forgotten lol

I didn't love it as much as the first time I'd read this. I was head over heels with this book, see below. I still stand behind the things I said below, but since then I've read the Darker shades of magic series by her and they are even better. And it is really hard not to compare. They are a different style of story and writing, but I prefer the complete picture of that series over this one. That's why it doesn't feel like a 5* book to (anymore).

But still very good, hence the 4*. And I will be reading the sequel this month!

I know I give a shout to soon reading on in series a lot, but in this one I have my friends to back my up and keep me to my promesses ;)

First read: 5*

This book is phenomenal.

The world-building, the story, the characters, it is ALL very well thought through and worked out. It is all very layered, but never confusing.

Let's just talk a bit here about the first sentence of this book.

The night Kate Harker decided to burn down the school chapel, she wasn’t angry or drunk.

Writers: this is how you start a book. I'm intrigued right away, I want to know more and just read read read. Such a strong opening! I don't often notice first sentences unless they are really good, so that is a promising start. And the rest of the book was just as good.

It is unbelievable well-written. It is hard to pin down what makes this so well-written, but a big part of it is that the story is really good and strong. I really liked how relatable the characters are. She is just really badass, but not unrealistic.

Spoiler

I like how you read about her pushing away her fear and being badass, it is a really good role model to man up a bit in though situations.

Than, there is something about the character relation that a lot of people talk about when talking about this book, but after reading it I look back on those talks and find them spoilery, so I'm going to put it in spoilertag because that is such an amazing feature for this kind of things :)

Spoiler

So, people say, straight boy, straight girl, they meet and NO LOVE INTEREST! This is an amazing and unique thing, and I admit to buying this book simply on this line. BUT. When you read the book, you see they form some sort of relationship, and knowing it is not a loveish one spoils this. Oh, and, when you reach the end of the book, they don't talk about not being in love or something like that. So it is left in the open for THE SECOND BOOK OMG THERE IS GOING TO BE A SECOND ONE and I was a bit disappointed in the lack love interest not being clearly mentioned as a lack of a love interest, if you get what I mean.

I highly recommend this book for everyone, as long as you are ok with some fantasy aspects. But this is SO WELL WRITTEN, unbelievable.