This is certainly an action packed opener. A lot going on for Tavi and a lot for the reader to take in about the setting and the people. The author has balanced the need for explaining the world she has created and the people she is populating it with with the need to engage the reader almost perfectly. You already have a sense of Cieje as a place and certainly have a good idea of Tavi's character - although there are bound to be a few surprises along the way.