Exciting premise, but Ms Vaughn skipped some basics. Her world building is excellent, but a lot of the description could have been left in the computer as part of her research/development. Add in that she's forgotten a basic premise of successful white space and it slowed down.

Further, I agree that the plot line, while adequate, was lacking in the stunning quality that I expected from Ms Vaughn and her editors. YA doesn't mean the plot can be simplified and pared down with few layers.

I loved the premise, but she would have been better served by presenting it at a much faster pace and carrying us further along in her series storyline arc.

I will continue to read future books, because I know that Ms. Vaughn is capable of so much greater. I hope that she will hit the next YA out of the stratosphere, whereas this one limped along to first base.

As to the slower, younger paced relationship angle. That I loved. It was sweet, innocent, true to the main character's shy and cautious emotional traits. That I enjoyed a great, great deal.

Until your next YA, know that I am pulling for you Ms. Vaughn.