I ended up really enjoying this book. However, I almost didn't make it because the pace in many places was so slow. I had no problem getting through the first chunk; the writing was lovely, the world was marvelously built, and I quickly grew fond of the main characters. The beginning certainly reads like a historical fiction novel with a dash of magic (which I adored!) but it transforms into a fantastical adventure. This is where the pace definitely becomes slower and the writing shines. Here it was easy to pick the book up and then set it back down after a few pages, especially because it was confusing at times. But again, in the end I stuck through for the characters and the lovely platonic love between them, as well as the spectacular writing, and I'm glad I did!