I've not read the previous 2 books in this series, so I'm not sure if that would put me at a disadvantage reading this...but they often pop up as recommendations for me on book sites. The cover is gorgeous and it sounds like my sort of book....the first impression certainly drew me in and I want to find out more...excellent writing and I'm eager to get my hands on a copy....I think this could be the start of a new reading obsession!