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tencutepuppies's review against another edition
4.0
(4.5) This book is so fantastic, I can’t believe I waited until now to read it. It’s been on my TBR for probably years now, yikes. But I’m really glad I finally got to it.
The Writing!!!
While I seem to write more straightforward myself, I love love love books where there are powerful quotes like every single line. It seems like every sentence is this beautifully crafted, poetic masterpiece that I can only hope to mimic in my own future work. It makes me supremely jealous.
Lada:
First off, let me say that the character work done here is phenomenal. While I know the main problem people had with this story was its slow pacing, I think the complexities and ever-changing natures of the main characters more than makes up for it.
I was drawn to Lada at first because of how unique she is. Not in like a “I’m not like other girls” kind of way (although she does kind of think of herself that way because of the whole patriarchal system in place) but because she’s ugly inside and out, she’s cruel and greedy and terrible. But she’s extremely real, not to mention her hunger for power in a world where women basically are nothing but children-bearers. Her constant struggle to prove herself a man capable of her father’s love while still identifying as a woman was so heartbreaking to read. She seems to be the only one who takes herself seriously, especially as she faces sexual harassment by the other Janissaries later on. No matter how cruel or ugly or cutting she is, all they see is a woman’s body and nothing more.
But I really appreciated the way her character grew from a spiteful girl who resented the other women in the palace for sitting back and kind of “letting” themselves be oppressed for their gender to realizing those women hold their own power—one that sheer manpower will never unlock. It was so important to see that from her after the negative way she regarded their submissiveness in the beginning, although it’s understandable why she thought that way.
Actually, I saw quite a few negative comments about how people couldn’t continue the book because she’s just so terrible and unlikable and it’s like.....that’s kind of the point. And just because a character does bad things does not mean they can’t have redeeming qualities (like her ambition or her protection for Radu) or be an interesting character. Terrible as she was, her character development was so interesting to read.
It’s not like she’s this completely horrible monster that never does anything unlikable. Her strategizing was really cool to see, and I loved her relationship with the Janissaries, especially Nikolae. He’s clearly really good for her in a place where not many other things are.
Radu:
Poor, poor Radu, I love him so much. He’s grown up under constant little cruelties by Lada and his father, who both regard him as the weaker, embarrassing sibling. It’s so clear all he wants is just to be loved, first by his father and Lada, then by Mehmed, and he never quite gets it.
But I’m glad that he found some kind of release in converting to Islam, and it was very brave of him to go through with it against Lada’s very fervent rejections of it. He also got a lot of friends within the palace and kind of made it his own home, so it’s not like complete suffering for him all the time, thankfully.
But god, his struggling with his unrequited feelings for Mehmed were painful to read. He lives, breathes and survives just for that boy, and Mehmed ends up being in love with his sister. It’s so, so sad that he’s willing to stay in what is basically their enemy’s home just to be with Mehmed in case he’s needed there. And still, he’s the afterthought. Lada is so terrible and Mehmed still picked her over sweet Radu. He’d better get the love he deserves.
(I refuse to talk about Lazar. That shit was so sad.)
His character arc was also so satisfying to see. He still has deep self-worth issues from when he was a child, but as he grows older he realizes that he doesn’t need Lada anymore and their dynamic kind of switches into something more volatile and unfriendly. I liked seeing that his kindness and his easy nature helped him manipulate information out of the court, which is something Lada could never do. It proves that Radu’s kind of intelligence is just as valuable, and that they’ll only be able to succeed when their minds are put together.
Mehmed:
I want to see more of him, even a POV in the next books. I think he has the capability of being really interesting, what with being a child sultan and all. But I feel like I didn’t get the best grasp of who he really was because this book was through the eyes of the siblings only.
The Romance:
I don’t know how to feel about this one. Lada and Mehmed’s moments were great, it just was kind of hindered by the toxicity between them and Radu, who’s actually in love with Mehmed, and Lada who doesn’t really say either way. Mehmed clearly loves her and is the only man who will accept her as his equal (which is the bare fucking minimum, but these were different times), but because she doesn’t often tell us or him how she feels, it’s hard to know. Plus, I know that their ship is only heading into pain in the future so that’s something to look forward to.
Final Thoughts:
I just can’t get over how well the characters were done. Radu and Lada may be some of the best, most complex and fleshed-out work I’ve seen in a long time. I love them very much and I’m excited for the next books, even though I know they’ll hurt me.
The Writing!!!
While I seem to write more straightforward myself, I love love love books where there are powerful quotes like every single line. It seems like every sentence is this beautifully crafted, poetic masterpiece that I can only hope to mimic in my own future work. It makes me supremely jealous.
Lada:
First off, let me say that the character work done here is phenomenal. While I know the main problem people had with this story was its slow pacing, I think the complexities and ever-changing natures of the main characters more than makes up for it.
I was drawn to Lada at first because of how unique she is. Not in like a “I’m not like other girls” kind of way (although she does kind of think of herself that way because of the whole patriarchal system in place) but because she’s ugly inside and out, she’s cruel and greedy and terrible. But she’s extremely real, not to mention her hunger for power in a world where women basically are nothing but children-bearers. Her constant struggle to prove herself a man capable of her father’s love while still identifying as a woman was so heartbreaking to read. She seems to be the only one who takes herself seriously, especially as she faces sexual harassment by the other Janissaries later on. No matter how cruel or ugly or cutting she is, all they see is a woman’s body and nothing more.
But I really appreciated the way her character grew from a spiteful girl who resented the other women in the palace for sitting back and kind of “letting” themselves be oppressed for their gender to realizing those women hold their own power—one that sheer manpower will never unlock. It was so important to see that from her after the negative way she regarded their submissiveness in the beginning, although it’s understandable why she thought that way.
Actually, I saw quite a few negative comments about how people couldn’t continue the book because she’s just so terrible and unlikable and it’s like.....that’s kind of the point. And just because a character does bad things does not mean they can’t have redeeming qualities (like her ambition or her protection for Radu) or be an interesting character. Terrible as she was, her character development was so interesting to read.
It’s not like she’s this completely horrible monster that never does anything unlikable. Her strategizing was really cool to see, and I loved her relationship with the Janissaries, especially Nikolae. He’s clearly really good for her in a place where not many other things are.
Radu:
Poor, poor Radu, I love him so much. He’s grown up under constant little cruelties by Lada and his father, who both regard him as the weaker, embarrassing sibling. It’s so clear all he wants is just to be loved, first by his father and Lada, then by Mehmed, and he never quite gets it.
But I’m glad that he found some kind of release in converting to Islam, and it was very brave of him to go through with it against Lada’s very fervent rejections of it. He also got a lot of friends within the palace and kind of made it his own home, so it’s not like complete suffering for him all the time, thankfully.
But god, his struggling with his unrequited feelings for Mehmed were painful to read. He lives, breathes and survives just for that boy, and Mehmed ends up being in love with his sister. It’s so, so sad that he’s willing to stay in what is basically their enemy’s home just to be with Mehmed in case he’s needed there. And still, he’s the afterthought. Lada is so terrible and Mehmed still picked her over sweet Radu. He’d better get the love he deserves.
(I refuse to talk about Lazar. That shit was so sad.)
His character arc was also so satisfying to see. He still has deep self-worth issues from when he was a child, but as he grows older he realizes that he doesn’t need Lada anymore and their dynamic kind of switches into something more volatile and unfriendly. I liked seeing that his kindness and his easy nature helped him manipulate information out of the court, which is something Lada could never do. It proves that Radu’s kind of intelligence is just as valuable, and that they’ll only be able to succeed when their minds are put together.
Mehmed:
I want to see more of him, even a POV in the next books. I think he has the capability of being really interesting, what with being a child sultan and all. But I feel like I didn’t get the best grasp of who he really was because this book was through the eyes of the siblings only.
The Romance:
I don’t know how to feel about this one. Lada and Mehmed’s moments were great, it just was kind of hindered by the toxicity between them and Radu, who’s actually in love with Mehmed, and Lada who doesn’t really say either way. Mehmed clearly loves her and is the only man who will accept her as his equal (which is the bare fucking minimum, but these were different times), but because she doesn’t often tell us or him how she feels, it’s hard to know. Plus, I know that their ship is only heading into pain in the future so that’s something to look forward to.
Final Thoughts:
I just can’t get over how well the characters were done. Radu and Lada may be some of the best, most complex and fleshed-out work I’ve seen in a long time. I love them very much and I’m excited for the next books, even though I know they’ll hurt me.
adelle_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Tohle teda byla jízda. Cením autory, kteří své postavy nešetří, a tady jsem moc zvědavá, kam se to vyvine!
thebiggestbooknerd7612's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Body horror, Murder, and Sexual content
allyreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
That was fascinating!! A book full of intriguing characters that are vivid and full of life! Yet definitely very messed up. I'm not quite sure all of my feelings yet, but I am curious as to what is going to happen. How much will Vlada follow the historical Vlad?
Vlada is brilliant, strong, brutal, and maybe psychotic?! Radu is her equally opposite brother! Who learns from weakness and becomes strong through knowledge and court life.
It kept the romance very YA appropriate. There was kissing and they was about it. Allusions to other things but it was all very behind closed doors.
*****Spoiler Warning******
As for the "love story"' that is where things get very hairy. A brother in love with the same man as his sister was strange. I felt the brother could have safely stayed in the realm of friendship without the other feelings. Then the same situation with his wife. We have Vlada completely unknowledgeable in anything feminine. She is so confused by her own desires for M and her need for freedom and revenge. It's also very hard to root for this love story. M is so in love with L but he has wives, a harem, and children. So reading it is difficult because you want Lada to me happy but you know it's not going to work. I am curious how it will turn out!
Vlada is brilliant, strong, brutal, and maybe psychotic?! Radu is her equally opposite brother! Who learns from weakness and becomes strong through knowledge and court life.
It kept the romance very YA appropriate. There was kissing and they was about it. Allusions to other things but it was all very behind closed doors.
*****Spoiler Warning******
As for the "love story"' that is where things get very hairy. A brother in love with the same man as his sister was strange. I felt the brother could have safely stayed in the realm of friendship without the other feelings. Then the same situation with his wife. We have Vlada completely unknowledgeable in anything feminine. She is so confused by her own desires for M and her need for freedom and revenge. It's also very hard to root for this love story. M is so in love with L but he has wives, a harem, and children. So reading it is difficult because you want Lada to me happy but you know it's not going to work. I am curious how it will turn out!
bluejaybooks's review against another edition
4.0
I’m of two minds about this book. On one hand, I learned a lot about the Ottoman Empire, found the characters well developed, and the plot enjoyable. On the other hand, it feels odd to me when authors write novels about real people and the story felt abrupt. Part of my problem with the ending stems from me believing this book to be a standalone when it isn’t, but I still felt the ending was sudden.
harleyrae's review against another edition
DNF at 25%
I think I’m just gonna call it quits on this one. I have absolutely no desire to keep reading it. Was it bad? No, it just wasn’t for me. This is a book I’ve been contemplating getting rid of for awhile anyway, so I just think it’s time.
I think I’m just gonna call it quits on this one. I have absolutely no desire to keep reading it. Was it bad? No, it just wasn’t for me. This is a book I’ve been contemplating getting rid of for awhile anyway, so I just think it’s time.
leafblade's review against another edition
4.0
This was surprisingly good????? I didn't even have it in my tbr shelf before starting it, but DUDE??????
I have mixed feelings about Lada, but I definitely don't hate her so there's that. I appreciated her in the end because tbh same. Who needs men.
I don't know if I want to read the second one yet but I also don't want my last knowledge of Radu be that he's miserable do u feel me
I have mixed feelings about Lada, but I definitely don't hate her so there's that. I appreciated her in the end because tbh same. Who needs men.
I don't know if I want to read the second one yet but I also don't want my last knowledge of Radu be that he's miserable do u feel me
fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Alright, so, I've been wanting to write this review ever since I finished the book at 5:30 a.m., but unfortunately, I had to go to sleep. Ugh, life necessities. I don’t know if I can properly articulate what I feel about this book, but I sure as hell will try my hardest!
Now this is a book that is unlike any that I have ever read. From the get-go, we are introduced to the book's dark and gritty atmosphere. The synopsis compares it to Game of Thrones, but I've only watched 5 episodes of that so I can't really judge. What I can tell you, however, is that this book is going to sink its claws into you from the beginning until the very end. There's this suspense and darkness about it that keeps you flipping page after page after page. Trust me when I say, you will devour this book.
This story has elements of fantasy incorporated into an alternate historical universe set during the pinnacle of the Ottoman Empire's success. Although not very historically accurate, the book does an excellent job of depicting various religions and politics in an objective way, which I loved. The story itself is also very unconventional, for sure -- with its unconventional setting and unconventional heroine and unconventional atmosphere. This all makes it so unique and original.
However, the main driving force of the story is the complex, dimensional characters. Our protagonist is the fierce Lada, short for Ladislav, and she is basically the alternate female version of Vlad the Impaler. Lada is the epitome of fierce anti-princess. Her wickedness & sinisterness are very palpable things in the book. I might even dare call her psychotic. However, her POV makes us sympathize with and feel empathy for her, framing her in a slightly humane manner. Lada defies everything a woman should be in the 1400s. She despises being a woman and does everything in her power in order to not be seen as one. Later on, she learns that women themselves are weapons, binding their time and then striking. I really admire Lada's character - she's wild and shrewd and cruel and calculating. A force to be reckoned with!
In contrast, we have Lada's brother Radu. He is pretty and delicate and sensitive, pretty much the polar opposite of Lada. He's usually the one that needs protecting, in the physical sense. However, later on, we learn that Radu is better at defending himself in other ways: through charming smiles and insincere speech and praise-filled assurances. ‘Kill 'em with kindness’ is probably his motto. What Radu lacked in substance, he more than made up for in charm & kindness.
Lada and Radu's sibling dynamic is an intriguing one for sure. They are practically the embodiment of yin and yang. Their relationship is tainted with frustration, misunderstanding, and jealousy, yet they both manage to put each other first. It's quite unlike anything I've seen in YA. In this book, their relationship is merely a thread in the web of other complicated relationships in this book.
Contrary to what you might believe, there’s no love triangle in this book, although it may seem like one. Mehmed and Lada’s slow development of their relationship was nice, but I don’t think Mehmed is a good match for Lada. I feel like he holds her back from her true potential, as it is so often subtly hinted at in the book by others. *cough* Mara, Bogdan, Nicolae. *cough* In the first half of the book, Lada is as wild as ever, but in the middle of the second half, she kind of stops fighting. She’s content with what she has, which was all given to her by Mehmed. I remember thinking, “I thought you didn’t want to be tied to what a man gave you? I thought you were going to take what is yours and not have it given to you?!”
Moreover, let's talk about the compelling, captivating plot, shall we? It literally made my head explode! (In a good way) The plot is so fast-paced from the very start, and there's never a dull moment in this book. Hold your horses. I don't mean fast-paced as in sword-fighting, arrow-shooting, knife-stabbing action, although there is plenty of that to go around. I meant the political intrigue that's so abundant in this book. There are so many mind-blowing machinations and jaw-dropping twists & turns! The complexity of all that, in addition to the author's eloquent writing style, makes for an unputdownable read.
To briefly sum it up, And I Darken has complex dynamics that are all tangled in a dark web of betrayal and frustration. That's not all, though. The attention to detail, the intricately woven setting & plot, the meticulous characterization, and the portrayal of history & its religions... These all make for a truly phenomenal page-turner of a book. A perfect read if you're looking for something dark, unconventional, and unputdownable!
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way impacted my views & opinions above.
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
Now this is a book that is unlike any that I have ever read. From the get-go, we are introduced to the book's dark and gritty atmosphere. The synopsis compares it to Game of Thrones, but I've only watched 5 episodes of that so I can't really judge. What I can tell you, however, is that this book is going to sink its claws into you from the beginning until the very end. There's this suspense and darkness about it that keeps you flipping page after page after page. Trust me when I say, you will devour this book.
This story has elements of fantasy incorporated into an alternate historical universe set during the pinnacle of the Ottoman Empire's success. Although not very historically accurate, the book does an excellent job of depicting various religions and politics in an objective way, which I loved. The story itself is also very unconventional, for sure -- with its unconventional setting and unconventional heroine and unconventional atmosphere. This all makes it so unique and original.
However, the main driving force of the story is the complex, dimensional characters. Our protagonist is the fierce Lada, short for Ladislav, and she is basically the alternate female version of Vlad the Impaler. Lada is the epitome of fierce anti-princess. Her wickedness & sinisterness are very palpable things in the book. I might even dare call her psychotic. However, her POV makes us sympathize with and feel empathy for her, framing her in a slightly humane manner. Lada defies everything a woman should be in the 1400s. She despises being a woman and does everything in her power in order to not be seen as one. Later on, she learns that women themselves are weapons, binding their time and then striking. I really admire Lada's character - she's wild and shrewd and cruel and calculating. A force to be reckoned with!
In contrast, we have Lada's brother Radu. He is pretty and delicate and sensitive, pretty much the polar opposite of Lada. He's usually the one that needs protecting, in the physical sense. However, later on, we learn that Radu is better at defending himself in other ways: through charming smiles and insincere speech and praise-filled assurances. ‘Kill 'em with kindness’ is probably his motto. What Radu lacked in substance, he more than made up for in charm & kindness.
Lada and Radu's sibling dynamic is an intriguing one for sure. They are practically the embodiment of yin and yang. Their relationship is tainted with frustration, misunderstanding, and jealousy, yet they both manage to put each other first. It's quite unlike anything I've seen in YA. In this book, their relationship is merely a thread in the web of other complicated relationships in this book.
Contrary to what you might believe, there’s no love triangle in this book, although it may seem like one. Mehmed and Lada’s slow development of their relationship was nice, but I don’t think Mehmed is a good match for Lada. I feel like he holds her back from her true potential, as it is so often subtly hinted at in the book by others. *cough* Mara, Bogdan, Nicolae. *cough* In the first half of the book, Lada is as wild as ever, but in the middle of the second half, she kind of stops fighting. She’s content with what she has, which was all given to her by Mehmed. I remember thinking, “I thought you didn’t want to be tied to what a man gave you? I thought you were going to take what is yours and not have it given to you?!”
Moreover, let's talk about the compelling, captivating plot, shall we? It literally made my head explode! (In a good way) The plot is so fast-paced from the very start, and there's never a dull moment in this book. Hold your horses. I don't mean fast-paced as in sword-fighting, arrow-shooting, knife-stabbing action, although there is plenty of that to go around. I meant the political intrigue that's so abundant in this book. There are so many mind-blowing machinations and jaw-dropping twists & turns! The complexity of all that, in addition to the author's eloquent writing style, makes for an unputdownable read.
To briefly sum it up, And I Darken has complex dynamics that are all tangled in a dark web of betrayal and frustration. That's not all, though. The attention to detail, the intricately woven setting & plot, the meticulous characterization, and the portrayal of history & its religions... These all make for a truly phenomenal page-turner of a book. A perfect read if you're looking for something dark, unconventional, and unputdownable!
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way impacted my views & opinions above.
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter