The representation of having immigrant parents and the estrangement that comes with it are very accurate, particularly the feeling of not belonging to either country. I also think Frank and Q's relationship was adorable and healthy for two boys, being able to voice their emotions to each other and offer support. However I didn't like

how the racism of the parents was never resolved or confronted, and the whole scheme of fake dating wasn't addressed to the parents either, which made me wonder if it was even really needed.

  Also both relationships Frank were in seemed a little too instant love for me.

I think the splendour of 19-20th century Russia was portrayed well, with the parties and glamour so vivid and heavy in detail. It helped add intrigue to the plot, this world of royalty and riches with a hidden underworld of sorcery and darkness, all heralded by these two sisters of power. Although both points of view were portrayed the book focused more on Militza, the eldest, and her relentless ambition for power. Despite her sister wavering she carried on, and her ambition could also be seen as her hubris, as it propelled her down their precarious fall from the grace of the Russian royal family.
The book was however a little heavy on the history side, and I did get a little confused and lost interest in a few of the witchcraft/séance scenes. However it does deliver what you would want in a historical book like this: royalty, sorcery and secrets.