READING: Bright We Burn (The Conqueror's Saga #2) by Kiersten White

Publication date: July 10 2018
Published by: Delacorte
Genre: New Adult, Historical, Violence, Suspense, Fantasy 
Rating: 

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.

An epic ending to an amazing series.

Great storytelling, as always, this one focusing mostly on Radu and his journey to redemption and forgiveness-and it was beautiful.And if I can say that for a book that has so many bloody deaths, imagine how good the book is!

Lada is the epitome of anti-heroine-she never lets up, she wants you to hate her. But somehow you just feel for her, you don't want anything bad happening to her, even though you know that if she was eliminated, it would end so much suffering. You are like Radu in a way: you know she has done some unforgivable, atrocious things (and she knows it, too) but you can't just find it in your heart to hate her.
Loved how the resolution of such a bloodthirsty and horrifying war was so serene and peaceful in the end. I guess what Lada needed was her brother by her side all along, loving her and supporting her. Maybe if she had him by her side from the beginning, so many lives would be saved. But what would happen to Radu? He would never have touched so many lives, and let his be touched, if he had stayed with Lada. 

Do yourselves a favour and read this amazing series-White truly outdid herself.

Note: I know it's advertised as YA but for me it tackles matters for more mature readers.