I just didn't get into this book as much as the Clockwork Trilogy ones. I feel comfortable saying that it is probably because Cassandra's writing has improved over the years and between the two series. Maybe I made the wrong choice reading the pre-quells first.
There seem to be too many sub-stories going on in just this one book. Once I felt I had all the background information absorbed I was then dropped into another sub-story with more to grasp and retain.
I will certainly give the second book, City of Ashes, a chance but have apprehensions.