I felt like I took a great leap in reading The Historian as the majority of the reviews I read about the book were negative but I am glad I read it. I felt that Kostova did an amazing job telling a story with twists and turns you would never see coming. What I was most impressed with was the knowledge of the cities she mentioned and the history she had of the time periods, especially of in the time of Vlad the Impaler. 
 I should also mention that her words were able to paint landscapes that truly looked real in my imagination. I have never been to Europe but her detail of the different places were incredible and truly amazing. 
 If you enjoy reading mysteries, thrillers, anything to do with High Middle Ages I strongly suggest this book. Despite what other reviewers say, you may be very surprised at how amazing this book it.