Bright We Burn by Kiersten White
- The Wicked Reader
- Aug 10, 2018
- 3 min read
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Date: July 10, 2018
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Purchase Links: [Chapters/Indigo] [Amazon]
Goodreads Synopsis:
Haunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it? Lada's rule of absolute justice has created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won't rest until everyone knows that her country's borders are inviolable. Determined to send a message of defiance, she has the bodies of Mehmed's peace envoy delivered to him, leaving Radu and Mehmed with no choice. If Lada is allowed to continue, only death will prosper. They must go to war against the girl prince. But Mehmed knows that he loves her. He understands her. She must lose to him so he can keep her safe. Radu alone fears that they are underestimating his sister's indomitable will. Only by destroying everything that came before--including her relationships--can Lada truly build the country she wants. Claim the throne. Demand the crown. Rule the world.
My Review:
* Thank you Penguin Random House for sending me a finished copy of Bright We Burn for an honest review *
Bright We Burn is filled with dark and emotionally captivating action, conflict, betrayal, and romance. It was ruthlessly bloody and gut-wrenching, just like Lada, but that's what made it beautiful. Everything was intense. Have you ever loved a character but fearful of them at the same time? No? Well, let me introduce you to Lada Dracul, otherwise known as Lady Impaler. Lada is a vicious, savage and broken character. She is insane! but she is vulnerable, and it is her vulnerability that gives you understanding and some sympathy. Lada is a woman in a world ruled by men. Kiersten White captured Lada's limitations and frustrations about being a woman very well. But don't think Lada being female stopped her from fighting for what she wants. Lada is stubborn, and nothing will stand in the way of her ambition. I can go on and on about Lada but there are other characters in the story. Radu. First, I must say that I've never been a fan of Radu. Yes, he's sweet as a cinnamon roll but I always found him mopey and weak. Which overall infuriated me. I don't hate him, I was just looking for something else. He was less whiny and stronger in Bright We Burn which I enjoyed more. Lada and Radu are truly complete opposites, but they balance each other out perfectly. Radu is the complete opposite of Lada. While she acts first and thinks of the consequences later if never, Radu thinks and debates before taking action. I enjoyed seeing him think and strategize whether it was on the battlefield or in court.
Lastly, Mehmed. I know a lot of people aren't fans of Mehmed but I love his character. He is driven, ambitous, and clever. I am always egar to see what he thinks and does to achieve his goals and how he reciporactes Lada's actions.
Lada, Radu and Mehmeds rivalry reaches an all time high in Bright We Burn. Another thing I loved was that the plot didn't just revolve and depend on the protagonists. There are so many other characters that have a huge importance to the story. Kiersten White just ripped my still beating heart out and I'm okay with that, I'm satisfied. I got everything I could have ever asked for. This is by far my favorite historical fiction novel and I highly recommend it.
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