Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Religious text basically, & supposedly there's homophobia later (including by the fmc)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Physical abuse
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For me, the beginning of the book felt a bit meandering and by the time I made it to the end I understood the setup and enjoyed the story overall, but I think if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook I would have stopped reading pretty early on because it didn't grab my attention until about halfway through. However, I'm glad I did finish it. I would read or listen to the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Slavery, Torture, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder, War
Minor: Death of parent
I want to start by prefacing that the author does not come off as homophobic, islamaphobic, or otherwise bigoted. These content warnings are present because of the time period and context of when the book takes place. Spoilers to clarify: In this book the two main characters are basically sold to the primary ruler of the region in exchange for more support fighting his battles. The region where this ruler presides is primarily Islamic and while one of the MCs finds it fascinating and comforting in their time of crisis, the other doesn't want to be forced from the religion they've grown up in and does come across as bigoted. In addition, due to the time period, women are seen as secondary citizens and really lack the respect of the men. This is a consistent recurring theme throughout the entire book where one of the MCs is denied equal treatment and denied the ability to follow her desired path in life. The next issue is that one of the MCs realizes that they're gay however, once again, due to the time period it wasn't safe for them to be open about who they are. While they do find solace in certain people who feel the same way they do, there's still an overwhelming sadness about the closeted nature with which the MC must live. Finally, as it is war time on and off throughout the book there are instances of torture, death, and murder throughout the entire plot, including one of the MCs accidentally killing a child during a conflict.
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I first read this book several years ago. I loved it, even though it was one of the hardest for me to read. It was denser, slower-paced, and had a darker tone than what I was used to. It has this pervasive sense of dread, one disaster happening after another. And there is sparse comfort to be found, even in the characters' dearest relationships. Nothing is ever safe or secure or completely happy. There are scenes of (historically accurate and normalized) abuse and injustice that turns my stomach. At that time I also started reading the second book but didn't get very far in before abandoning it. Since then, I have regularly looked at this series sitting on my bookshelf and wanted to read it but was too intimidated to.
Now I have reread the first book and plan to finally finish reading the series. I'm older now and have more experience reading complex and dark books. It made me aware of my growth as a reader.
I consider this one of my favorite books. It is captivating, even when it is challenging or devastating or frustrating. I have thought about and loved this book even after reading it just once, years ago, and even without reading the rest of the series. I feel so deeply for both Lada and Radu, despite how deeply flawed they are, how different they are, and how often their interests are in opposition to each other. That's what continues to make it a challenging read - I want a happy ending for everyone, but I can't imagine a way that could happen in their circumstances.
Now I have reread the first book and plan to finally finish reading the series. I'm older now and have more experience reading complex and dark books. It made me aware of my growth as a reader.
I consider this one of my favorite books. It is captivating, even when it is challenging or devastating or frustrating. I have thought about and loved this book even after reading it just once, years ago, and even without reading the rest of the series. I feel so deeply for both Lada and Radu, despite how deeply flawed they are, how different they are, and how often their interests are in opposition to each other. That's what continues to make it a challenging read - I want a happy ending for everyone, but I can't imagine a way that could happen in their circumstances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Islamophobia, Abandonment, War
Minor: Colonisation, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So the question becomes, Daughter of the Dragon, what will you sacrifice?
This book was brutal. But really. In the best sense of the word. This book has torn my soul, my heart, and turn my life a three hundred and sixty degrees around. Originally, I never planned to read historical novels, but now I am here and I am proof that vows can be very broken for good. I will probably continue this habit in the future because I learn a lot from it. This book has been on TBR for almost a full year until I took the courage to read it. I admit it honestly; I saw it so long ago that I didn't even know what it was or how it got there. But before yesterday I glanced at it and its content and cover were quite enchanting, so I started it.
But evaluation of the book; Cover your eyes and shut your ears, let your instincts end you, as do Lada.
———————————————————
In fact, we see Lada's life
Otherwise, I couldn't like Radu as much as his sister and there is a simple reason; The love triangle that no one needed. Mehmed is about the same age as them, so he makes friends with them. He is the Sultan's third son to a slave mother, so he has no chance of becoming a ruler, so he is not taught it. Essentially, the first half of the book revolves around their friendship. They live and behave as children - though Lada is a little more mature. The latter further develops her combat skills and coaches with the Janissaries because she (unlike Radu) has not forgotten that they are only prisoners and not guests. Although they have both fiercely defending Mehmed from the beginning, he's lost his throne after his father's retirement because of them.
The following chapters (about 200 pages) is take place in the future, where they are "adults" or at least approaching it. The teenager Lada is desperately trying to break out of the role she has assigned and not head over. I really like in her character that she has no break point. There is always a point when the protagonist breaks and falls in, gives up. But she doesn't. She is moving forward as a huge dragon, ignoring who is in her way and what the consequences will be.
Radu is one of the Sultan's confidants and becomes a good friend, so much so that he becomes a commander. Unlike Lada, he also converts to Muslim faith. Honestly, I like the writer not turned the two religions and did not accidentally disappear any of them, both of them retaining good habits, leaving both beliefs attractive to the reader.
Radu is not the only LGBTQ+ character, since his wife - this is an arranged marriage - is also a lesbian. Soulmates are not always lover and they fully present this. I really like the little part they were in. In principle, they will get more roles in the following sections, which I am very pleased about. Both sibling are in love with Mehmed, but Lada alone catches his attention. Although their love does not last long and is weak enough still wonderful.
I don't really want to mention side characters, but Mara (!) - she was part of the Sultan's harem and princess of serbia - is one of my favorite characters and barely got a real role. Over the years, she has forged a weapon from her body and has obtained her freedom without violence. She is a believer in common sense and always deeply believes that she will return home, just like Lada. Although she does not have much power in the harem, she becomes one of the good friends - or ally - of the dragon's daughter over time.
At the end of the book, Lada is made a choice, either her home or her love, but she chooses what has always been more important to her; Wallachia. While Radu stays with Mehmed to occupy Constantinople.
I'll tell you the truth, no matter how much I liked the characters, the story, the time, and the turns were somehow not impressed so down. The plot went well, though the beginning was very slow and groaning, but it could still be followed despite the time jumps.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Slavery
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Islamophobia
Minor: Slavery, Medical content
Islamophobia: it's during the crusades and one of the characters views religion as a tool, but also thinks poorly of Islam. One of the other characters converts to Islam secretly and for what it's worth I think the author treats the subject with respect.