I enjoyed this story a lot. The writing was easy to read and the characters loveable. The plotline was a little predictable for me as an adult, but may not be for the age group the book is aimed at. 

The author states in her acknowledgements that she wanted to write about a girl who was quiet, but she "didn't want it to be the story of a quiet girl who learns how to be loud" but rather "the story of a quiet girl who discovers she's strong, exactly as she is". As someone who has always been quiet myself, I appreciate this a lot, and quiet characters are rather underrepresented in fiction. I have to admit though that I felt the author went a little too far in her depiction of Mina, stressed her quietness more than was really necessary. 

I found Mina very loveable though, and very much enjoyed her relationship with her dragon-like storm beast, Pixit. I also love her growing friendships with other students at the lightning school, especially Jyx. 

Overall I would definitely recommend this book, and I plan to check out the other children's books written by Durst.