I loved this book! The heroine, Elena, is one of the best I've read. The author kept a nice balance between action and romance (not overly romantic, which I liked). Occassionally it was hard to keep up with all the 'background/supporting' characters, but it didn't distract from the story line/plot. The author also does a good job of balancing the gore - there are some pretty intense fight scenes but the author doesn't over do the blood and guts!