5 Stars

This was everything I wanted it to be, even with one of my favourite characters dying very early on. What a stunning finale to a great series.

Lada might be my favourite female character of all time. At least of the last few years. I cannot express my adoration of her enough. This series is just so fast paced, so brutal, so emotional. I can't even explain how much this trilogy means to me. One of my favourites series read in a VERY long time. And the ending was so emotional.

wow. this book actually wrecked me but in the best way possible. this was a stunning conclusion to a beautiful and brilliant series. i just wanted all these characters to end up happy and i guess in a way they do but i still cried all through the epilogue.

We see our characters fully fleshed out into their adult selves in this one. Much more confident and aware of what war cost and what they are willing to pay. Wish it had ended a little differently (more dramatically) but I wasn't mad at where everyone ended up.

......i can’t even use words to describe how this series made me feel. brb still crying

I finally finished this series after starting it last year and oh boy oh boy it's good! Kiersten White is one hell of a good writer, the way she writes dialogues, the political climate, action scenes and pretty much everything is so gripping and entertaining. They were quotes after quotes that I simply adored.

I loved loved loved Lada I'm just so glad that we have this character in a Young Adult novel, she is so different and head strong and cruel and determined, I just love her so much. The ending made me tear up a little. I love that in this one we see that more emotional side of her but it doesn't prevent her for still appearing strong. She's a very well rounded character.

My only issue is that, after three books I still don't care that much for Radu, he just appears so bland next to the incredible Lada.

Anyways, I always struggle to finish or really get invested in series but this one was just so good, I'm blown away by this writer and I recommend it to every young women and women out there who wants to read about an actual strong, badass, charismatic female leader.

*chef's kiss* as ever

I always new it would be Radu in the end who would save the day!

At first I was content giving this one four stars but the fabulous conclusion bunked it up! This book wasn’t perfect and I found it dragged in some parts, especially near the beginning. However, the brilliant ending and epic conclusion and, well if I’m being truthfully honest- found family of Cyprian, Radu, Nazira and Fatima - made up for it.

I’ll probably do a full review soon but for now: I adored this and for a trilogy that started out so rocky the ending turned out to be one of my favorites. I defiantly won’t be forgetting this anytime soon; especially not the characters!

Despite the increased blood count (at times, the book felt like a Shakespearean tragedy) I finished this spectacular finale in a day. Overall, I love this series for the characters. The feminist angle is great, but perhaps more compelling is the positive LGBTQ+ representation.

Where to even begin. This book tore my heart to shreds. Kumal’s death. Bogdan’s death. Nicolas’s death. Lada’s death?! LADA’S DEATH?!. (What the heck?!) Lada’s actual assassination attempt on Mehmed. However, there were so many incredible moments. I liked learning about Lada’s unique military tactics and seeing Cyprian and Radu’s relationship unfold, alongside the growth of their shared family with Nazira and Fatima. I am thankful that Radu decided to follow in his own footsteps rather than doing what Mehmed or Lada would’ve done in his shoes. When he finally stood on Lada’s side my heart melted. Radu’s passion for mercy, just agh!! My favorite part was seeing Lada and Radu rule Wallachia together (even though it was short lived). Radu. My goodness. The best character in this series. He always had the best of intentions even when his courage lacked. But all of the characters. So well developed and flawed! And Theodora, Mehmed and Lada’s child?! Omg. Being raised with such love by Radu’s hand-picked family. Agh!! Such a great book!! This has to be the best trilogy I have ever read. I am writing this after just finishing, so my thoughts are very much disorganized. But wow. If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. It was an interesting take on Vlad the Impaler’s history. I am interested in learning more about the Ottoman Empire and Christian crusades. After reading a series as good as this, it’s always hard to imagine reading something that can even come close to comparing. I hate book hangovers.

I loved Radu and Mehmed’s reunion but considering the circumstances it made me really sad