There was so much to love in this fantasy, and during the first bit I thought it would be a new favorite. But the plot and pacing was weird. I liked the slow burn beginning, but it felt like the big fantasy battle came so fast, and rushed (as was the sudden romance, squished into the last few pages??). And despite all the world building, there was a lot that was still unanswered and confusing. I know that there are more books in the series, but I wish *some* more exposition was in this first one. And maybe a map?