4 stars.

At long last, I am FINALLY finished Tatiana and Alexander.

Although this took me just under a month to read, it was not because I didn't enjoy it. I have been very fatigued my life really just consisted of me doing schoolwork or being asleep #Iamsofun.

I actually really enjoyed this book for the most part, though not nearly as much as The Bronze Horseman. I know I have said it before, but my goodness I find Russian history fascinating. What was really cool about reading this was that I was simultaneously learning about the same era of history in my Modern class.

There was one part of this story that took my cold, cold heart and just broke it. I just sat there for a moment after it happened REELING at what I had read. To anyone who has read this, I think you would know what I am talking about. Ah, I still have not processed it.

I find Tatiana to be a very strong, inspiring female character... when not around Alexander. I think Alexander treats her too delicately sometimes, instead of like his equal. I understand that those gender roles are somewhat contextual, but there were some lines where I was like "did I really just read that?" This slightly problematic element was present in The Bronze Horseman as well and I am interested to see whether it shows up in The Summer Garden.

A character I hope to see again in the next instalment in the series is Vikki. I don't know what to say about her except that she is great and a lovely addition to Tatiana and Alexander's story.

Sorry for the incredibly disjointed review - I think the reason behind it is just because I read it over such a long period of time.