This is a "what if Vlad the Impaler was born female". It's of course dark and gory. This book, while good, is mostly set-up, Lada's childhood. I don't think you are supposed to agree with Lada, just understand why she is the way she is. I don't have a great understanding of history in this time period, so I have no idea how historically accurate it is. The author's note gives me the impression a few liberties are taken.

I'm steeling myself for the later entries, which I also want to read.