In terms of writing, this book was extremely well done. It could even pass for an adult book. However, the plot was boring. I'd definitely be interested in reading more from this author if she chose a story that's more modern, or even a historical novel that holds more interest for a YA audience.

The book had a really unusual plot and world, which was nice. The pacing was generally pretty good and the characters were original and interesting. It reminded me a lot of the Dark Angel trilogy, which is also a coming of age story with a strong heroine who grows up and comes into her own during her journey. If you liked this book, you might want to check that one out too.

PublisherWeekly Debut novel

This book was good because the main character was strong and smart. I did like the book and writing, but I wasn't entirely into the storyline. I mean, it was interesting that she was trying to save people from war and all that, but I didn't fully get the God thing. I do understand she's meant for "God's service" and all, but it wasn't really clear how exactly God was involved in it or what was just people's actions/choices. The Godstone was interesting, but I thought the storyline on it could have gone deeper - there were so many things unknown about why or how or previous Godstone carriers. Also, I would have liked the relationships with everyone to have gone deeper, to know more about the characters, etc.

This book was AMAZING!!! At first I wasn't quite sure that I would be able to get interested in it because it didn't seem like the type of book I would read, but I am so glad I took the time to read it. Elisa is a believeable character. As she struggles to find her place in the world, you see a little of yourself in the situations she is going through. At some point in our life we all experience love and loss. Living the experience through Elisa's eyes and seeing the way that she pushes through is encouraging. This book changed the way I view past stories that I have read. Usually the other stories that I have read with a less than perfect character have always seemed a little unbelievable, you never connected with them on a personal level, or you just became to infuriated with the main character's idiocy that you don't even bother to finish the rest of the story. If your thinking to borrow this book, click IMMEDIATLY! It's definetley worth those couple hours of free time you have. :)

I loved this book. It was different, and I LOVED how the main character wasn't this skinny girl who thinks she's the most beautiful girl in the world and can get anything she wants whenever she wants it. I definitely recommend it!!!!

I really enjoyed this fantasy, coming-of-age story! Elisa is married off to a foreigner on her sixteenth birthday, whisked off to a new land, and then hidden away as a secret. Not the best start to a whole new life! She feels even more alone and worthless than she did in her home. What she doesn't realize is why it is so important to hide...and what could happen when her secrets are uncovered. Elisa was such a dynamic character and I absolutely fell in love with her. At the beginning of the novel, we area introduced to a fifteen-almost-sixteen year old girl who is preparing for her out-of-the-blue wedding. She is clearly uncomfortable in her own skin. She's been chosen for some great act of Service, but she feels like it must have been a mistake. How can she ever be as successful as her beautiful older sister? How could anyone ever fall in love with an overweight, less-than-perfect naive Princess? Her lack of confidence is fed by the secretive nature of her marriage and the multitude of secrets that she is forced to keep when she arrives in her new husband's country. Elisa was such a fabulous character because you literally watch her grow up and come into her own. She is forced to embark on this harrowing journey and along the way she transforms into a strong young woman. She experiences the joy of first love and the pain of death that war brings.