I have just finished reading this book and felt I had to recommend it.
I don't usually have the time to read fiction books but was given this to read by a friend.  the thing was i absolutely could not put it down.  The story starts off a little slow but once it gets going its brilliant!  I am now reading the second book in the series and I'm at chapter 7.  I have to say that that so far its just as good.  I thoroughly recommend it.