I was immersed in a gripping narrative that masterfully blends historical intrigue with elements of fantasy. Obolensky’s writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life a vivid world that captures both the grandeur and the grit of the setting. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery is both compelling and relatable.
However, the pacing does stumble at times, with certain sections feeling overly detailed, which can disrupt the overall flow. While the world-building is impressive, I found some aspects of the plot a bit convoluted, leading to moments of confusion.
Despite these minor issues, the captivating storyline and intricate character dynamics kept me engaged, making it a fulfilling and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an atmospheric novel and I loved the setting. I am really looking forward to the next installment. I was blown away.

I had a hard time getting through the first chapter or two of this book. Fortunately I have a bad habit of Finishing whatever book I’ve chosen to read. This book was written beautifully. I would’ve never guessed the twist And turns Entailed in it. It was definitely worth reading.

Excellent writing and exciting plot. I waiting a while to read this book and it was everything the reviews gave me I’m excited to recommend this book to readers.

This is the first book in a series from the author, Ivan Obolensky, and I thought it was well written. The characters were very descriptive, and the story line was plotted very well. I couldn't wait to get to the second book. I found myself drawn in from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for more from Obolensky. I highly recommend this novel to the mystery thriller lovers out there.

Thank you Net Galley ARC and Smith - Obolensky Media