I would equate this novel with the first X Men film. It was good, but most of the story was spent on introducing characters and settings for future sequels instead of on plot. In general, the entire series will probably be quite good, but this book lacks quite a bit in the story line department. Most of this first novel is just the main character dodging all the assination attempts thrown her way. The author does a good job explaining the "Hollows" as well as their particular brand of magic, but it's a bit over-explained; hopefully in the next novel none of these exhausting descriptions will be necessary and the book can just flow and concentrate on more important matters. It's a good start -- but I hope there is much more to come.I would consider this the poor man's Harry Dresden.