Update on re-read, May 2020: I reread this in order to read the rest of the series, and I have to say—I still love it. Lada is just as beautifully dangerous, and Radu as kind and somewhat tragic as before. I’m very excited to keep reading about them!
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Original review, July 2017
I don't know what I expected from this book, but it was not what I got! I love it so much and I need the next one now please!
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a history buff. Though I've learned about the Ottoman Empire, and the religion of Islam, I have never seen either portrayed like this in fiction.
As for the treatment of religion, I think it was handled very well. Both Christianity and Islam are present in the story, and each character has their own opinions and relations with the religions. Radu, raised Christian, converts to Islam after learning about and finding peace in it. His relationship with religion is complicated, but treated fairly and makes sense with his character as a whole, if that makes sense. His sister doesn't follow any religion, and openly disdains both Christianity and Islam. However, this is treated as simply her choice, not an objective truth about religion.
Now, characters. I both loved and hated Lada and Radu. Which is a good sign. It’s very unrealistic that I would fully love or fully hate a character. I found Radu and Lada to be completely human. With good and bad qualities, they capture my attention and make me care for them. They make horrible decisions. They make amazing ones. They're wonderful.
I can also get behind Lada’s desire to make her own path and be her own person. She’s determined to not need anyone, no matter what, and is so passionate about fighting, her homeland, and the people she cares about (even though she's disgruntled that she cares). She has reasons for not wanting to be married: her mother’s marriage was unhappy and full of pain; she sees how badly women are treated by their husbands and refuses to be subjected to that; and simply would rather be on her own. She gives up the happiness she had to claim the throne and return to the homeland she loved. Not to mention she's an amazing fighter.
The plot, while not what one would normally expect, was still intriguing and held my attention. We watch Lada and Radu grow up, journey to the Ottoman court, and try to find their places there. We watch Radu struggle with his feelings for his best friend; we watch Lada deal with how complacent she's gotten in a country she hates. And we watch them scheme and plot to get a friend the power he deserves. And it’s very well-done.
So, all in all: 5 stars of wonderfulness, desperately want the second book, can't get enough of this.