I wasn’t going to write a review, but I’m very conflicted about this and I’m hoping this will help me.
This is loosely based on real people and events. I know of Vlad the Impaler and have a high-school level of history of the Ottoman Empire. So, I had no expectations going in other than that I have liked Kiersten White’s books in the past.
Let’s get into it.
This primarily follows Lada and Radu who are brother and sister. They’re father is harsh and sends them to basically be political prisoners of the Ottoman Empire. They both react to their life circumstances in different ways. Lada is cruel and calculating. She wants power and to prove herself. Radu is a sweet boy who becomes a charming young man. He is also strategic and calculating in his own way.
Radu is the more likable character. He most noticeably has a conscience. Honestly, I’m not sure if I could’ve read this without him. There is a lot of grey morality and it is not clear who is right and wrong. I’ve talked about this being something I don’t like, but I can appreciate it. Part of me liked it here because it is real.
Lada and Radu meet Mehmet who is the future sultan of the Ottoman Empire. THis relationship, like the larger political conflicts of the world, is complicated. They are friends on a personal level, but because of larger political and religious situations they struggle. I have no idea how Ms. White navigated this without picking a side is impressive.
This is on the slower side. And I’m not really sure how it is structured-it didn’t feel like a normal fantasy in pacing.
I thought this was incredibly well written. Ms. White explores difficult social, political, and religious concepts deftly. But I also think this isn’t quite the book/series for me. I do plan on continuing with the series, but not right away.
Thanks for reading!
Holly