Sera is a mage being "tutored" by a Guardian in a male dominated London. 
The book focuses on her 18th birthday, escaping from her teacher, taking her place on the mages council, and how she deals with her first .... week? Month? I'm not entirely sure but it is a short period of time involving murder, magic, and a little flirting. 
She's a strong female character but still only a teenager, and in a time when women were still assumed feeble & unworthy of doing more than bearing children. 
The story progressed quickly, without being too predictable and I found that I enjoyed both the world that was built and the majority of the characters introduced. 
I am planning on borrowing book two from the library as soon as my hold becomes available.