I was expecting this book to be awful and I have to say I am completely wrong!

After a few other truly awful books in our rage read book club (misery loves company) we all thought this book would fit the assignment mostly due to the shocked and angry reactions from other readers.  

The shock stems from a twist at the end that many readers felt was unwarranted and made no sense.  

Before I get to the ending, the lead up is actually well written.  Schneider places the reader right in the middle of the world so we are able to learn about the world as we go along.  Actual showing, not telling!  Sure some things are confusing but as the story starts to unravel they make sense.  The magic system is revealed during the adventures of the two main characters. 

As to the ending being a surprise - throughout the book the characters withhold truths or appear to know more than they admit to.  Even so I was surprised by the ending but I knew something was coming.  

Its a good book and written well.