And so she cut out her heart and offered it as a sacrifice. She would pay whatever price her mother Wallachia demanded. 
 4.5 stars. I rounded up because as with great books, I found no lull in the pacing of the story. 
 What I loved most about Lada's story is her relationships; they're messy, they're complicated, and they're riveting to read about. I'm not that all familiar with the history the story is based upon (I know the mainstream gist of it, but I've never delft into it), but boy, what a read! Now all my tabs are open on The Ottoman Empire, on Radu, on Mehmed, and of course, on Vlad the Impaler. But I digress. 
 And I Darken is rich with history, compelling characters, and questions about the choices we make in life. What choice is right? What choice is wrong? And who gets to decide which is which? Who do you choose in a world filled with violence and betrayal? And where are you truly home? 
 It was a compelling read. And I can't wait to read more of it. 
 In case anyone was wondering, my favorite character is Radu <3