We all know how much I adore Jenn Bennett, yeah? I have raved a time or two. So when I found out that she was writing a historical fantasy? Oh sign me up! I figured this was going to completely win me over and it did, friends. It really did. It's full of adventure and romance and legends of Vlad the Impaler, honestly what's not to like? Let's talk about all the awesomeness.
- • Theo is kind of the best. She just won my heart from the very beginning. She's a fighter, this one, and she isn't willing to sit back and wait while her father is missing, especially when some shady folks get in the action. She has no intention of acting like society wants her to, like a damsel waiting for someone to save her father, and ultimately her. And her voice in general just appealed to me, frankly.
- • Speaking of characters I love, I beyond adore Huck. Oh Huck, he and Theo had a rocky past, and the last time they saw each other was painful at best. You can tell that Huck is one of the good guys, and his banter with Theo is A+, I loved every minute.
- • All the adventure! These two wacky kids ended up basically taking a road trip- nay, a train trip- around Eastern Europe and wow was I here for it. It's like all of the best parts of a road trip, but on a train which is infinitely cooler. I loved seeing all these European locales too! The settings were cities that I have not read many, if any, books set in, so that was extra great.
- • Juuuust the right amount of magic. So you guys know I am a little weird about magic, which was the one thing that had me nervous about the book. But it ended up being a great addition to the story without being confusing or consuming.
- • So, so much historical charm! I already mentioned Dear Old Vlad, but he's not the only bit of history we dabble in! First, the 1937 Eastern Europe/Turkey story? Oh I am in love. Not enough books set in both the time period or the part of the world. And I thought the author did a phenomenal job of making it feel authentic.
Bottom Line: Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. It's definitely one of my favorite books of the year, and perhaps of ever. So read the thing.