I really loved this book I have not read the series this connects to yet will probably read it soon or sometime before the next book comes out. I liked all of the characters but I liked Malcolm and Asta most of all they were well written and very interesting characters. I liked how the story flowed and how it built up toward the end of the book it was so very well written. I liked how the plot moved forward with Malcolm and Alice doing anything they could to protect Lyra I just loved it so much. So overall I would say I loved this book and want to read more soon.