Dark woods, a questionable wizard, a troubled kingdom, a witch learning her power, and a friend.

Novik's work is quick-paced, centered on the heroine, Agnieszka, and how she learns and develops her powers. While contending with callous wizards. Oh, and trying to convince them that, no, really, that dark forest really should be dealt with, and now would be very good, thank you very much.

Features lots of twists and surprises, and much more enjoyable than Novik's His Majesty's Dragon.