It took me a few chapters to really get into this novel. But when the author hit their stride in storytelling, wow! It really pulls you in and is hard to put down. At one point I was pulled out of the story when the author mentions the men all strapping on their snow shoes. I don't know that snowshoes existed in medieval Russia but it just seemed unrealistic. I'm aware its a fantasy novel but it is still set in a specific time and place with fantasy elements. The novel wrapped up a bit quickly for me and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.