There are some impressive bones here. Duncan creates a fascinating world reminiscent of warring Slavic times with a magic system thrown in for funsies.

However, two things kept me from enjoying this book:
1. I had difficulty believing the primary romance. (Ex: Oh, he seems monstrous and evil but handsome.)
2. Occasionally the characters or magic system lacked depth. (Ex: Rashid and Parijahan have so much promise, but are largely glossed over as "support". I really hope they get fleshed out in later books.)