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 this "I want you, 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!