3.5*

This was really bleak. I've spent a few weeks immersed in Civil War Spain and it's pretty miserable.

I struggled to get into it and bits dragged. I thought the end was a bit melodramatic and convenient. I just about bought Sandy turning up at the end, but Meastre turning up was a step too far.

And then Bernie dies anyway, making the whole thing a complete waste of time and Sofia dying a total waste.

It was nicely written and I was invested in everyone and it presented the history well, so I can't score it less than that - by the end I was invested in what was going to happen to everyone.