I have wanted to read this book for a minute, but the mixed reviews have always given me pause. Seems like most fans of Sophie Lark expect that insta-smut...I mean, respect. This book is NOT that. Going to put this right up front and save you some time: This story is more a romantic fantasy than a romantasy. Yes, it does have a HEA, and many of the key themes surrounding the resolution are directly tied to the romantic relationship. BUT, like 70% of this book, Anastasia is a child (nothing creepy going on).

Anyways, enough of the silly smut vs no smut BS. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!

O M G! Historical fiction + fantasy + romance + VAMPIRES = YAAAASSSSSSSS!!!

Be prepared to slow down when you open this chonker—and not because the writing is dense or whatever—no, this is a story that demands to be savored. I feel that Lark did an amazing job writing these characters, especially—and there are a lot—it never gets bogged down, forget who someone is, or feel indifferent towards any of them. I actually cared about each and every single one. The setting is massive and absolutely stunning. The lore, which is a mix of pure fantasy, actual history, and Russian folklore, is downright divine and presented with such care. Lastly, if you really feel like it, you could spend hours discussing the symbology, themes, and literary devices ad naseum.

Will I argue that the writing is flawless? No. Or that the pacing is perfect? Also, no. But it is intelligible, coherent, and entertaining.