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reka111's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The world will destroy her in the end. Too much spark leads to explosions. But your sister will destroy as much as she can before she goes out.
Wow, it's been a very long journey so far (and there's so much more to come!) and I have to say that I have extremely enjoyed every minute of it. This book series is a perfect example of when Game of Thrones and Poppy Wars meet, but really.
My dear Lada has been through so much that it's incredible, and she hasn't given up at all. She fought her battles and took her throne, fulfilling her dream and desire. She was so strong and so long, she held on to her goal even when everything seemed lost. She deserves what she has achieved, more than anything. Meeting her mother was terribly painful, but she needed to let go of her past, and I think she eventually succeeded.
Radu, my beautiful Radu is broken, I'm sure of that, if nothing else. He was caught between two fires throughout the book, both in spirit and heart. He deserves happiness — more than anyone else. My poor thing sacrificed so much of itself, and in the end he lost the most.
Mehmed, oh where did my smiling, kind and graceful Mehmed go, whoever this was, I don't know him. How could he allow so much cruelty to happen just because of a dream — a desire. He's no better than Lada, but maybe that's what makes them perfect for each other. Either way, I loved their relationship, I want this forever, but I can't be yours, it's very complex and strange, perhaps even a little toxic, but gods, it's still beautiful.
The plot was understandable and extremely enjoyable, although I have to admit that after a while there was too much emphasis on combat and war — completely unnecessarily, overshadowing everything else. The pace was very slow, which I didn't really like, especially in such a big book and with so much happening. The wording was perfectly fine, I don't find any flaws in it, the whole book was nicely written and logical. I really liked the inclusion of new — and old — characters. The Hunyadi family and Ladislaus V (the child king) frankly surprised me very much, but in the best way. As a Hungarian, it was very strange — and somehow still wonderful — to see familiar faces about whom everyone had heard or learned in some form. I loved Oana, Cyprian, Nazira and the others they really carried this book on their back!
The end was perfectly concluded, everyone achieved their goal in some form, but at what cost? Well, the next book will definitely give me answers, I can't wait to start it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, War, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Rape, and Pregnancy
reclusivebookslug's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The character development in this sequel is often more of deterioration than growth. They're hurling themselves towards both greatness and doom. I am disappointed in them as characters rather than the book itself for the direction they are heading in and the atrocities they have already committed. I am anxious about how the series will conclude, especially with the base level of knowledge I have about the real history the story is based on.
I was especially interested in Radu's moral crisis, Lada overcoming some of her internalized mysogyny, and Stefan and Daciana's relationship.
I was especially interested in Radu's moral crisis, Lada overcoming some of her internalized mysogyny, and Stefan and Daciana's relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Blood, Murder, Religious bigotry, Death, Sexual assault, Torture, and War
anitaforthewin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault and Homophobia
lapis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Animal death
Minor: Sexual assault
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