I liked this a lot more than I had thought I would. I did have some problems with it but on the whole this was a very solid fantasy from Saintcrow. The worldbuilding was detailed, the pacing was fine - those are just details but what blew me away was what was revealed at the end. Hot damn. I think that alone pushed the second book on my to read list. Simply because I haven't yet seen anything similar to what happened in a book that is meant for more adult YA. Also, if your father in law is your subordinate and you are the Queen, how do you treat him when he tries to intimidate you because he's older and you're his daughter in law? I thought that was a pretty interesting question. Can you still be the Queen and his daughter-in-law? (And the family dinners must be really uncomfortable, huh?) The price of power is steep. Anyway, give this a try. It's not perfect but it is intellectually crunchy. Gives you plenty of things to think about.
 - Lilith Saintcrow)