I don't even know where to start with my review. I don't know how to say this without it coming out wrong and being taken the wrong way. Dia is one of those authors that just doesn't jump out at the top of my mind when I'm looking for books. And I DON'T KNOW WHY b/c every time I read one of her books, I freaking LOVE it. Every. Time. I'm really going to have to do better about keeping up with her work b/c I feel I've been severely missing out.

Now onto this book. I knew it was a prequel to a series. Like I had seen it somewhere before I started reading, maybe in the blurb, but it slipped my mind while actually reading. So I'm going through the book thinking it's going to be a standalone and was all sad. Like, I'm falling into this story and these characters and there's so much I want to know and to happen but it's gonna end soon. Then I get to the end and I'm like Duh! Hello, it's not over! So freaking happy about that.

So a little about what actually happens in the book without giving too much away. Sydney has been in the Elemental Academy for as long as she can remember. It hasn't been an easy ride for her either, being she has no power. The day of the final testing, something goes horribly wrong and Sydney's life is changed forever. Waking up in the Lost Soul's Penitentiary is not what she expected and she's in for even more shock to find her former professor is now one of the wardens. Girl he is not happy at all. He's on a mission to make her pay for what she did and he's enlisted help. Syd has help herself from an unlikely source thankfully. Then things get all wonky in the prison and our girl Syd has to get things settled.

Sydney is a character that you just love. Yes, she's had a hard life but she is in no way an 'Oh poor me' kinda gal. She's a pick up the pieces and make it work girl. We have sexy mean guys with a little side of sweet. Don't worry, you'll love them by the end. And our girls best friend, well I just freaking love her. She's a hoot and a half and I think she compliments Syd perfectly.

The ending. Normally I'm all 'oh hell no' on endings like this but for this book, it totally works. Especially with the circumstances being what they are for Syd. Absolutely adored this book and I can't wait for the next book to come out.