5 Words: Duty, love, passion, deceit, royalty. 
 This book was a bit hit and miss. Some bits I loved, some bits I hated. But by the time I got to the end I'd pretty much decided that it was a hit and I'll definitely read on. 
 First off we've got Sophia. This was a character I'd judged just from the name. I couldn't help it. One of my sister's is called Sophia and it's an unusual name. She a bit kick ass rebel, a bit dutiful daughter, and I loved how her character changed as the story progressed. I loved what she became at the end. 
 Sophia's mother is a bit of a bitch. She's more than a little obsessed with power and wealth, and a bit of a backstabber. 
 I loved the queen. She was calculating and powerful and she was in control. She was a fantastic character. 
 What I didn't like was the insta-love. It didn't fit with how perfectly paced the rest of the story was. 
 This story has drama and intrigue set against the lavish Russian court. It's a great setting, with so many ways for trouble to arise. The setting was used to great effect in the story. 
 I will definitely be reading more of this series! 
 I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.