This was a very easy read, and I was happily entertained by the story. 

That being said, I also think that Zilan has been very immature and kind of a jerk to the people around her, which was unpleasant to read about since it never really changed. 

What bothered me most is

the fact that everyone seems to be smarter than Zilan. I understand she is up against adults who have lived for a decade or more but reading about the Empress outsmarting her for the umpteenth time is pretty unsatisfying.

I'm kind of put off by the ending though because what the fuck? Im not sure I can really forgive that.

But generally I found the idea and setting very interesting and cool to read about. I would have loved to see this book not as a YA but as an adult story with a mature protagonist that is better equipped to deal with the horrors thrown at her.