The scheming is constant, so much so that this book gave me anxiety. Overall the story is cool, but the actual magic/fantasy elements of the story really do not feel whole at all. I am not mad that I read it but I wont be recommending it there are just better options. overall these books are middle of the road but have chunks of them that are 5 star worthy so I think it shakes out to 4/4.25 ish.