Probably closer to a 4.5, because I wish some of the romance had been better established. But holy moly! This had the call of magic in a historical setting. I loved this world and these characters. I especially loved the friendship between Nikolai and Pasha. I did found Vika the weakest character, still compelling, but she wasn't as fully formed to me as Nikolai or Pasha. I am interested to see how she grows over the series. 
 More thoughts to come later, but if you're looking for a mix of Leigh Bardugo and Night Circus (and why wouldn't you be?), snap this up!