I love this series of books because they mix plot and character perfectly. I don't think it is necessary to read the rest of the series to be able to read this one as a standalone, but you should because they're all so good, and you also get a better handle on some of the minor characters where they have a history with the main character Karina, who is as dramatic as ever. The book is fast-paced and a page-turner. I never know quite what's going to happen next and while all the books have a similar atmosphere, this one is still unique and doesn't repeat what's happened earlier.