Language: PG-13 (31 swears, no ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (under-age alcohol use);Violence: R (violence associated with war, assault, implied sexual assault, hate crimes, multiple murders both on and off page, on-page mutilation of a corpse, mention of mutilation of corpses)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
In the Kosa Empire, after centuries of oppression, the lower classes have risen up against the magically endowed nobility in a battle for dominance. Unaware of the conflict, Toma lives an isolated life deep in the forest with her undead family. This simple existence, however, abruptly ends when Vanya, a commoner with uncommon power, and Mikhail, a dethroned tsar on the run, cross her path. When the three unlikely companions join forces, she must confront the future of a crumbling empire and the past that has come back to haunt her.
From the very beginning this book is let down by vague world building and an underdeveloped magic system. The author attempts to do too much as Slavic folklore, Russian inspired history of revolution and war, the supernatural, oppression of minorities, and so much more all battle for space on the page. However, the action-packed pace and messages of inclusion and equality may be enough to allow readers to simply enjoy the ride.
Reviewer: AEB
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