Even though I only gave this book 3 stars, I really did enjoy it. The reason that I didn't give it more is because the progression of the main character seemed a little fast for me. Charlotte is your average teenage girl. She's shy and finds it hard to fit in and then her turn around happens really fast. I won't give away any spoilers but Charlotte learns a really big secret about her family and an alternate world and it seems like her timid personality goes out the window. Like I said though, three stars still means I liked and will probably continue on with the series. I may be nit picking so check it out for yourself! OK, more like 3 1/2 stars.....very solid first book, enjoyed the characters, liked the pacing. Still struggling to understand the whole Gerard concept, but the book is a pleasure to read because it is a complete work in and of itself. It doesn't string you along like a traditional YA trilogy. Yes, I am dying to read more, but the author didn't leave us with a ginormous cliffhanger at the end, at least in the traditional sense.I give the worst reviews. ;)