surprisingly good for a "first book of a series." As most people do, I tend to give a first book a good bit of lee-way, since the author always has so much world building to do, as well as introducing the main characters, having to have a plot etc. With this one Drake has done an excellent job. The world building isn't laid on quite as heavy as with some series, but it is still fairly heavy. There are twists upon twists upon twists. A bit of mystery to keep things interesting and a series of characters that keep you coming back for more.

Now, it is very definately an UF book. In this book there are vamps, were's and fae--but its the fae from the old tales, where the "wee folk" are not to be trusted. Think Unseelie and you will have the correct frame of reference. While not appearing in this book, demons and angels are also mentioned.

Oh--but be warned--there is a very definate "cliff hanger" ending in that you are left with not a great deal resolved. Fortunately, at least 4 more books are already out. I haven't done any research to see if there are more than 5 books in this series, since I didn't buy this, but was given it as a present. Fortunately, the person giving it to me knows my reading tastes, and so knew that I'd enjoy it. Now I just have to get the rest of the series (which might have been what she had in her evil, twisted mind, since the book came from my daughter. I'm wondering if she wants to read the rest of the series as well.)