leyaruth42's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good book. I found it listed under Romance at my library. Not sure it really belongs in the romance genre. I'd say it is more of a historical fiction, with some romance thrown in. I enjoyed the unconventional setting of Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire. I enjoyed learning more about the Dracula family. However, the blurb about this book compares it to Game of Thrones. In no way is it even close to that series. It is, however, an excellently written story. I am waiting to listen to next book.
I enjoyed the strong character of Lada. I'm not so sure about the realism behind her ability to actually command men in the Ottoman Empire. She is obviously a fictional character, but the stories around Radu and Mehmed actually kind of line up with history. Mehmed II was the man who conquered Constantinople, and there is speculation that his good friend Radu was actually his lover. So it is neat to understand the backstory from a fictional point of view.
I also enjoyed having a western writer portray Islam in a good light, instead of the typical "evil religion" concept. In that part of Europe, religion and identity were definitely more complicated (and still is today) than in other parts of Europe at that time in history.
I would've liked more actual romance if it is going to be shelved in a romance section. Everything between Lada and Mehmed seems to happen off stage. I look forward to seeing, hopefully, the romance between Radu and Mehmed pick up steam in the second book.
I enjoyed the strong character of Lada. I'm not so sure about the realism behind her ability to actually command men in the Ottoman Empire. She is obviously a fictional character, but the stories around Radu and Mehmed actually kind of line up with history. Mehmed II was the man who conquered Constantinople, and there is speculation that his good friend Radu was actually his lover. So it is neat to understand the backstory from a fictional point of view.
I also enjoyed having a western writer portray Islam in a good light, instead of the typical "evil religion" concept. In that part of Europe, religion and identity were definitely more complicated (and still is today) than in other parts of Europe at that time in history.
I would've liked more actual romance if it is going to be shelved in a romance section. Everything between Lada and Mehmed seems to happen off stage. I look forward to seeing, hopefully, the romance between Radu and Mehmed pick up steam in the second book.
greergreer's review against another edition
1.0
High hopes for this book, Vlad Dracul and his children, who wouldn't? Well I got to page 346 still with high hopes till I realized waiting was futile. Skipped to the last two chapters, glad i did, didn't have to waste any more time with this book. Note to any reader, read to chapter 22 skip and read last two chapters, basis of the story right there without having to re-hash the same thing over and over in every damn chapter.
brii_brii's review against another edition
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pandoraness's review against another edition
The start went on too long, not into the "evil child" trope. Also, I would've given this more of a go, but my husband is literally Romanian, so a lot of it was hard to listen to (the audiobook narrator couldn't pronounce a lot of the names and places correctly, it was very distracting). Maybe I'll try reading in physical form in the future.
alannaf182's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
k8lynl3wis's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one.
Like, ALOT.
Can't wait for the next one.
Like, ALOT.
Can't wait for the next one.
sampena16's review against another edition
4.0
3.75
Started off a little slow and parts certainly dragged on. The writing is a little flowery and too descriptive for no reason at certain parts, but the story is relatively engaging and the lead character is certainly interestingly unusual. I'd read the second book, just to find out what Lada ends up doing.
Started off a little slow and parts certainly dragged on. The writing is a little flowery and too descriptive for no reason at certain parts, but the story is relatively engaging and the lead character is certainly interestingly unusual. I'd read the second book, just to find out what Lada ends up doing.
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sarahelainereads's review against another edition
2.0
Not sure what the big fuss about this book was. Too much focus on explaining the historical background and not enough on the action. I liked the characters and found the beginning fairly addictive, but after the first 100 pages I lost interest and it took me another week to finish.
Also, this is not fantasy. There is absolutely no magic. More of a historical retelling.
Also, this is not fantasy. There is absolutely no magic. More of a historical retelling.
librarianmillie's review against another edition
5.0
Lada is one of the most bad ass, meanest, and greatest heroines I have ever read. Just as good the second time around. I cannot wait for the sequel next month.