Francesco Garibaldino Garibaldino itibaren Pedrinhas Paulista - SP, Brezilya itibaren Pedrinhas Paulista - SP, Brezilya

First things first, Ms. Bridges did a ton of research in writing this novel. The way the characters speak is authentic 19th century Russian. The author even explains that in the first pages of the book. It will not be how you’re used to people speaking. Get over it, because if you don’t, you’re missing out on a great book. Katerina is a duchess who also happens to be a necromancer, a gift she sees as a curse and wishes to hide from the rest of the world. Soon her secret gets out and there are those who want and need her for her power. She finds herself in a tug of war not only between the courts of dark and light, but also between a dark prince and the grand duke. When her life and that of her family are threatened, she knows she must make a choice to save those she loves and Russia. Will she side with the dark, from where her black magic originates, or the light, where she yearns to belong? Ms. Bridges does a beautiful job of describing 19th century Russian royalty. She really draws you into Katerina’s world of palaces, balls, tradition, gallantry, and beautiful jewel encrusted gowns. But then I love how she throws in the paranormal element. Katerina’s world isn’t all sovereignty and glamour, there’s also faerie sight, vampires, werewolves, and sorceresses to contend with. Oh yeah and the threat of an undead army. The writing is as elegant as the setting of the story, enchanting me throughout. Katerina is a heroine worthy of rooting for. Ms. Bridges ended this first book of a trilogy perfectly and I cannot wait until the second book comes out. Wonderful debut!