Review – Bright We Burn (The Conqueror’s Saga, Book 3) by Kiersten White (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: July 10, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-0553522396
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in The Conqueror’s Saga
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Haunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it?

Lada’s rule of absolute justice has created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won’t rest until everyone knows that her country’s borders are inviolable. Determined to send a message of defiance, she has the bodies of Mehmed’s peace envoy delivered to him, leaving Radu and Mehmed with no choice. If Lada is allowed to continue, only death will prosper. They must go to war against the girl prince.

But Mehmed knows that he loves her. He understands her. She must lose to him so he can keep her safe. Radu alone fears that they are underestimating his sister’s indomitable will. Only by destroying everything that came before–including her relationships–can Lada truly build the country she wants.

Claim the throne. Demand the crown. Rule the world.”

This was an amazing conclusion to this YA historical fantasy. I thought things were tied up perfectly and whipped right through this book. It was wonderfully done and I think this was the strongest book in the trilogy.

Lada is hell bent on protecting Wallachia from Mehmed and will resort to massive violence to stop him. Neither Lada or Mehmed will yield, despite their past feelings for each other. Meanwhile Radu is sick of being pulled between them. However, after he sees the massive number of people Lada is killing he decides that Mehmed might be in the right.

This book was a very engaging and easy read; I was pulled right through the story. I continued to enjoy Lada a lot; she is a complex character with a vicious sense of righteousness. Even though she was constantly stampeding down a path of destruction you couldn’t help but admire her drive, dedication, and loyalty to her people. White did an awesome job of making her a realistic and sympathetic character despite her evil acts.

Radu is in the book a ton too and grows a lot in this book. I admired him more in this book than in any other. I liked that he finally stood up and made some tough choices.

The battles and strategy are well written. Watching how Lada warred against much larger forces was fascinating. My heart broke for her everytime she lost someone vital to her…even though given her recklessness these losses shouldn’t have come as a surprise. The ending was well done and very fitting for the story.

Overall this was an excellent conclusion to this historical fantasy series and I really loved it. I would recommend to those interested in YA historical fiction/fantasy featuring a strong heroine. I will definitely continue reading White in the future.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– New Release Reading Challenge
– Goodreads Reading Challenge