Vika is in touch with nature more so than any normal person could be- and that's because she is a Enchanter. She has been training with her father in the Ovchinin Island woods to become the next Imperial Enchanter. Sergei has been preparing her for the trials to come as an Enchanter, but neither quite know exactly the danger that entails. Neither of them know that her training is not just to become the next Imperial Enchanter. Neither of them know that her power could gain her favor- or cost her life. 
 Neither of them know that, in time, the Crown's Game will begin. 
 I was in love with Vika's wild spark, her energy and liveliness really brought her character to the stage. Each character in this story has a part to play, a unique voice. They all stand out and stick with you, especially Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha. 
 This book takes place in early 1800's Russia, under reign by the Romanov's. It begins with Vika and her father, Sergei, training for her coming time as an Imperial Enchanter. What they don't know is that there is another Enchanter in Russia- Nikolai. The only problem is, there can not be two Enchanters at once- Russia only has so much magic, and for it to be split up is impractical and, because of the Crown's Game, impossible. The Crown's Game will pit the two Enchanters against each other- Nikolai's mechanical magic against Vika's nature. One thing the Game can not account for is the willingness of each player to kill one another, especially as time goes on. Nikolai is torn between becoming Enchanter to his best friend, the tsesarevich, Pasha, and killing this wild, beautiful girl that he shares Russia's magic with. But when he discovers his true feelings, so does Pasha. 
 Everything that happened in this book furthered the plot, made the story better, tense, fast-paced. It's told in so many different perspectives- 11, I believe- but it all comes together seamlessly. I loved it. I loved it. 
 *Sobs quietly in a corner* I really loved it. FIVE STARS, guys. I can NOT wait for the next book so I can reread this and then devour what comes next! 
 There is ONE problem with this book. 
 And that is the fact that it is a new release. That means that the next book will most likely not be out until another year. 
 Seriously. That's it.