** Quotes may not be accurate if compared to finished copy. Early copy received from Penguin Teen. **

This was a fun story and I enjoyed it, but there were a couple of issues.

My biggest issue was the racial slurs. The love interest is Romani, and he and his tribe are commonly referred to as Gypsies. Anna (mc) was quick to learn after Gábor initially pointed it out to her, but others weren't. Beyond the halfway point I can't recall any uses of the term, but it was scattered throughout the first half.

The other issue was the sexism. I realize that for a story set in the mid-1800's this is unfortunately realistic, but I don't quite understand why it was included. If magic can be incorporated into this time period, why couldn't even a little bit of gender equality? This doesn't truly affect my view of the book, but it's something that stayed in my mind throughout.

I really liked Anna. She was a fierce, likable lead, if a bit indecisive and dramatic. But honestly, aren't we all? She desired magic but didn't let her lack of it stop her from living life. She stood up for what she thought was right and went through with her plans even if others thought it wasn't right. I liked the latter quality because it was presented differently. Rather than do what she wanted because she believed she was superior, as other protagonists do, she did things because she believed they were right. She considered other options and suggestions of those close to her before making a choice. She was an admirably strong heroine, and a handful of her quotes stuck out to me as I read.

"You should not dismiss me because I am only a girl. Even a small dog can bite. And [...] a microorganism smaller than the head of a pin can kill a grown man." -page 209

"I would not be one of those girls who remade herself and her beliefs for the attentions of a man, even for Gábor. He would have to love me for myself—or not at all." -page 251

"How could these men accept my help [...] and then reject my plea? Because I was a woman did not mean I was witless." -page 261

One thing I like about reading historical fantasy is seeing how the things I've grown up learning are intertwined with new fantastical elements, and what's changed. I think it's really interesting, and this book was no exception. I think it was unique that the Circle was prevailed over monarchs in some countries, while the opposite was true in others.

On that note, the magic system was intriguing. There were four classes of magic, each with control over separate sections of life/nature. They draw power from another realm called the Binding, once/if their magic is successfully confirmed during a test at a young age. Readers find this out gradually, so it never feels like an info dump.

I liked Gábor as a character, but I wasn't as sure about his developing romance with Anna. Class division played a part at first, and that didn't really bother me. What did bother me was Gábor's attitude toward the situation. He loved Anna, and that much was clear. But he acted like their societal differences were the end of the world. At one point he leaves Anna to avoid difficulty, but also because he doesn't agree with a choice she made. He wasn't controlling, he just needed to get his life together. I do think Anna and Gábor have potential to be a cute couple in later books.

One thing I really enjoyed was the familial aspects of the story. Even though all of her immediate family remains in England while she goes to Hungary with her grandmother, Anna always has relatives nearby. They care about her, and it's genuine. Gábor excluded, everyone that takes part is family in some way. They were all supportive and helpful, and there were no rivalries or petty problems.

The last thing I'll say is that I loved the setting of this book. The very beginning took place in England, but the majority was in Hungary. I don't recall ever reading a book set in Hungary, or even involving Hungarian family/lineage. This book had both, and I enjoyed learning about small details of the country's history. Also, it sounds like a gorgeous place, even in the forest/marshy area the family residence is in.

Oh, and the last 150 pages were especially exciting. I never saw that twist coming. It feels like the story could end there, rather than continue into a second book, but I can also see how that would work.

I did have issues with this book, mainly the racial slurs and the romance, but otherwise it was enjoyable. I'm not quite sure yet, but I think I'll continue with this series when the second book is released. This was a fun read!