The first 60% of this book drags. I'm not sure it truly all needed to be in there. However, I found the characters so compelling, I wasn't tempted to DNF at all. I love the way this book approaches immortality as well. As something that makes you strange and close to losing your grip on reality, prone to fixation and repetitive cycles. The vampires in this book are powerful, but those who are truly scary have power any mortal can have in theory: the determined acrual of wealth and influence. 

I loved watching the lives of our two MCs intertwine and tangle together in an intricate knot. I loved how complicated each of them are as characters. I was surprised and delighted by the commentary on war, patriarchy, and history offered at various points in addition to the expected themes of story, legacy, time, and love. Overall, what a book!