I really wanted to like this and had high hopes going in. The world building, with a direct link to Russian history and language was exciting, but unfortunately I did not connect with the characters especially when romance was thrown into the mix. I'm tired of the savior of the known world trope where a character unknowingly has massive powers hidden to her and then one tiny circumstance makes them readily apparent. Also, a 17 year old who constantly sticks her tongue out like a child when she is upset is a bit lame.

I think this would have been better aged down with the aggressive sexual references removed.