This is one of those rare treats that goes against the tide of urban fantasies who's primary feature is some form of the leather wearing, sword wielding 'tougher than nails' female stereotype that always makes me roll my eyes. The characters in this are all very well rounded and believable, having motivations that extend well beyond the substance of the story and carrying a good depth that we can imagine before the story has started and (for those who don't die), well after it is over.I started reading this book 2 days ago and haven't put it down even once. There are a fair few slow parts and parts where it's clear the author was getting a grasp on just where things were going next but the interesting twists on fae mythology and the location (one I've never read about, actually) kept me invested in the world and wanting to know more. As I said, it's definitely rich in character and you can easily imagine walking along side these people as they go through the story. This is what kept me hooked.Unlike many of the UF's I've come across, there is no clear definition of 'power' in the sense that our protagonists are just as confused, hurt and frightened of the supernatural (and mundane) elements of the world in which they inhabit. There's no sense that any of the characters are completely 'at ease' with their situation which keeps things from getting too predictable when they encounter one another, even as 'friends'. This is especially true of the sexual tension aspects which aren't mashed together but woven through in a realistic way that puts those involved off balance in more ways than one. It's great fun and a true pleasure to read something as 'human' as this.I've been told the books following this one are even better, even if they weren't, I'm intrigued enough by the setting and consequences of the characters' actions that I would read about it just to see what happened next. I bought the next book without even thinking about it and I look forward to seeing where it takes me. :)