I was thoroughly impressed with this book. Historical fiction is typically one of the genres that's harder for me to get interested in and finish, but I flew through this book in a week! Brandes wrote the perfect balance of romance, familial love, thrill, violence, magic, and more. There wasn't a question left unanswered or string left untied. A piece of history I previously knew nothing about is now at the forefront of my research - I want to know more! Overall, a fascinating story and beautiful depiction.