Bright We Burn: And I Darken, Book 3

Intriguing twist on historical fiction imagines life of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) if he were Lada, a woman. Shows a version of life during 15th-century Constantinople and Wallachia. Author's note states, "I try to incorporate as much history as respectfully as I can, and encourage anyone intrigued to further study this time period and region." Some specifics on Islamic faith back then, especially burial traditions, and differences between Ottoman Empire and Eastern European dress, customs. With Lada in an unusual position for a woman at that time, opportunity to ponder what life was like for other women, how limited their choices were.

Lada is more ruthless than ever before, orders the killing, desecration of thousands and gets many of her own soldiers killed in relentless pursuit of her goal. She may have the right idea about removing corrupt classes and government and protecting rights of lower classes, but she removes people in mass killings and refuses all forms of negotiation. Her relentlessness evokes change sooner, but at a huge cost. Radu, once Lada's wimpy, malleable younger brother, finds great strength here in his faith and in his chosen family. He makes up for Lada's lack of conscience and makes an excellent, though reluctant leader. He shows mercy when his sister needs it most and recognizes the good in her.

Main character has sex twice, with two different partners. Details limited to kissing, a bite, mention of roughness, and that one man "shuddered before collapsing on the rug." LGBTQ characters kiss, with mention of tangled limbs and waiting for more until a private marriage ceremony. Mention that women follow the army to "service any NEEDS the men had."