“They say a woman’s place is in the home. I say a woman’s place is wherever she wants to be. And for me, that’s on the battlefield.”
— Lada rejecting traditional gender roles and embracing her warrior path.
Archivist's Choice
Now I Rise
Kiersten White (2017)
Genre
Fantasy / Historical Fiction / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
9-10 hours
Key Themes
See below
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Lada seeks vengeance in Wallachia while Radu navigates Constantinople's politics. The Dracul siblings, once close, now find their paths clashing amid crumbling empires and the high cost of power.
Synopsis
Lada Dracul, after failing to claim the Wallachian throne, leads her men on a rampage across the countryside, aiming to punish those who wronged her. Her ferocity isn't enough; she needs her brother Radu's strategic mind. But Radu is in Constantinople on a secret mission for Mehmed, spying and weakening the city from within. Torn between loyalty to Mehmed and his conscience, Radu rejects Lada's plea for help. As Ottoman forces besiege Constantinople, both Lada and Radu face difficult choices. Lada must manage shifting alliances and internal conflicts to fight for Wallachia, while Radu struggles with his role in the city's fall and his feelings for Mehmed. They must decide what they will sacrifice—their love, loyalties, and perhaps their souls—to achieve their goals and secure their places in a changing world.
Reading time
9-10 hours
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Dark, Intense, Political, Melancholy, Romantic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy dark historical fantasy with complex, morally gray characters and political intrigue, especially if you like a fierce female protagonist and a male character struggling with his identity and loyalties.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted fantasy, clear-cut heroes and villains, or shy away from stories with significant violence and emotional turmoil.
Plot Summary
The Scourge of Wallachia
Lada Dracul, betrayed and denied the Wallachian throne, unleashes her anger across the land. Leading a small but fierce group of loyal men, including her childhood friend Bogdan, she attacks villages and castles, leaving destruction behind. Her goal is revenge and to destabilize the region, forcing the Ottomans, and Mehmed, to recognize her claim. She acts out of deep rage and a desire to prove her strength, believing that only through fear and power can she achieve her destiny. Her actions, however, alienate many and cement her reputation as a ruthless monster, even among those who might support a native ruler against foreign influence. She struggles with memories of Mehmed and past choices, but pushes these feelings aside to focus on her brutal campaign.
Radu's Constantinople Mission
While Lada wages war in Wallachia, her younger brother Radu is in Constantinople, serving Mehmed's goal to conquer the city. Radu, a trusted advisor, is tasked with infiltrating the city's defenses and weakening it from within. He poses as a wealthy merchant, gathering intelligence and subtly causing discord among the Byzantine elite. His mission presents moral dilemmas; he dislikes the deceit but feels bound by loyalty to Mehmed and his adopted Ottoman family. He observes the city's culture and diverse population, which complicates his feelings about its impending destruction. He also grapples with his unrequited love for Cyprian and the expectations of his faith, which conflict with his current role.
A Desperate Plea and a Refusal
Lada's campaign of terror, while effective in spreading fear, fails to gain the widespread support she needs to truly challenge the Ottoman Empire. Realizing her approach's limits, and needing her brother's strategic mind, Lada sends a message to Radu, asking him to join her in Wallachia. She hopes he will bring his diplomatic skills and intelligence to her cause. However, Radu, deeply involved in his mission in Constantinople and still hurt by Lada's past betrayals, firmly rejects her plea. He believes her path is self-destructive and fears for his own safety and Mehmed's anger if he abandoned his post. This rejection deeply wounds Lada, increasing her sense of isolation.
The Siege Begins
The Ottoman army, led by Sultan Mehmed, arrives at Constantinople's strong walls. The city, once a global jewel, prepares for a desperate defense. Mehmed's strategic brilliance and his forces' power are clear, as massive cannons are positioned and siege engines built. Radu, from inside the city, continues his covert operations, feeding information to the Ottomans and lowering Byzantine morale. Tension in Constantinople rises as the bombardment begins, and citizens prepare for the inevitable, while defenders, led by Emperor Constantine XI, prepare for a fight to the death. Radu witnesses war's horror firsthand, further solidifying his internal conflict.
Lada's Shifting Alliances
Facing her solo rebellion's futility, Lada begins to consider more practical, if unpleasant, alliances. She approaches various Wallachian boyars and even Hungarian forces, offering promises of power and land for their support against the Ottomans. These negotiations are difficult, as Lada's brutal reputation precedes her, and many are wary of her volatile nature. She must control her rage and use diplomacy, a skill she grudgingly learns. Her goal is to create a unified front, however fragile, that can threaten Mehmed's control over Wallachia and the surrounding regions, allowing her to reclaim her rightful place.
Internal Strife in Constantinople
Inside Constantinople, Radu's mission grows more complex due to deep divisions among Byzantine leaders and the populace. The split between the Latin and Orthodox churches, mistrust between factions, and widespread fear make his task both easier and harder. He uses these divisions to weaken the city's resolve but also sees its inhabitants' suffering and desperation. His personal relationships are also strained; his growing affection for Nazira, a Christian woman, and his continued, unrequited feelings for Cyprian, a devoted Orthodox Christian, force him to confront his actions' moral implications and his loyalties.
A Costly Victory
Lada, through strategic brutality and new, fragile alliances, secures a small but symbolic victory against an Ottoman garrison in Wallachia. This triumph, however, comes at a high price, with losses among her loyal men and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices needed for power. The victory, while sweet, is also a stark reminder of the immense challenge she faces. It reinforces her belief that she must be more ruthless and unyielding to achieve her ultimate goal. Bogdan, her loyal companion, struggles with her increasing ruthlessness, questioning her chosen path.
The Fall of the Walls
After weeks of bombardment and fierce fighting, Mehmed's forces finally break through. Constantinople's mighty walls, which had withstood centuries of sieges, are breached. Ottoman Janissaries pour into the city, fighting street-to-street with desperate Byzantine defenders. Radu witnesses the horrific chaos of the final assault, torn between his duty to Mehmed and his growing empathy for Constantinople's people, including those he has grown to care for. The city descends into a bloody frenzy, marking a historical moment and a personal crisis for Radu as he grapples with his actions' consequences.
Radu's Desperate Choice
In the chaos of Constantinople's fall, Radu must make desperate choices. He uses his position and influence to try and save Nazira, Cyprian, and others he cares for from slaughter and enslavement. He navigates the burning streets, risking his own life to guide them to safety, defying direct orders and potentially incurring Mehmed's wrath. This act of compassion marks a shift in Radu's character, as he prioritizes humanity over blind loyalty and political ambition. He experiences the grief of a city's destruction and war's personal cost, solidifying his internal struggle between his Ottoman identity and his Wallachian heritage.
The Aftermath and New Orders
Constantinople is conquered, and Mehmed, now Sultan of two lands, establishes it as his new capital. He immediately begins rebuilding and integrating the city into the Ottoman Empire, showing his vision and power. Radu, having completed his mission, is recognized for his service but is also changed by the experience. Mehmed, now focused on consolidating his empire, turns his attention back to Wallachia. He issues new orders, sending Ottoman forces to quell Lada's rebellion and establish Ottoman control. These events set the stage for a new confrontation between the Dracul siblings and the formidable Sultan, each now more hardened and determined than ever.
Lada's Desperate Stand
Upon learning of Constantinople's fall and Mehmed's renewed focus on Wallachia, Lada understands her situation's gravity. She knows Mehmed will not tolerate her rebellion and will come with his empire's full might. Despite overwhelming odds, Lada refuses to yield. She rallies her remaining forces and uneasy allies, preparing for a desperate, final stand. Her cunning and brutality increase as she devises strategies to defend Wallachia against superior Ottoman forces, determined to hold onto the land she believes is her birthright, even if it means sacrificing everything. Bogdan stands by her, though his unease about her methods grows.
A Glimmer of Hope and a Hardened Heart
Amidst war preparations, Lada experiences fleeting moments of connection, perhaps with Bogdan or a new ally, that show a softer side she rarely displays. However, these moments are quickly overshadowed by her grim reality. Her heart remains hardened by years of betrayal and constant struggle for survival. She reaffirms her commitment to her chosen path, believing that only through strength and ruthlessness can she secure her destiny and protect Wallachia from complete Ottoman domination. The prospect of facing Mehmed again, not as a lover but as an enemy, weighs heavily on her, yet she pushes it down, focusing solely on the fight ahead.
Principal Figures
Lada Dracul
The Protagonist
Lada begins as a vengeful rebel, learning the limitations of brute force and begrudgingly accepting the need for alliances, though her core ruthlessness remains.
Radu Dracul
The Protagonist/Supporting
Radu evolves from a loyal Ottoman servant to a conflicted spy, ultimately prioritizing compassion and his own moral compass over blind allegiance.
Mehmed
The Antagonist
Mehmed consolidates his power, achieving his ultimate goal of conquering Constantinople, further cementing his ruthless and strategic nature.
Bogdan
The Supporting
Bogdan's loyalty to Lada is tested by her increasingly ruthless actions, yet he remains by her side, a symbol of unwavering devotion.
Cyprian
The Supporting
Cyprian endures the siege and fall of Constantinople, his faith and resolve tested but ultimately unwavering, representing the resilience of the city's spirit.
Nazira
The Supporting
Nazira, a survivor of Constantinople's fall, represents the innocent lives caught in the geopolitical struggle, highlighting Radu's growing compassion.
Huma
The Supporting
Huma continues to be a pillar of support and counsel for Mehmed, embodying the strength and pragmatism of the Ottoman royal women.
Constantine XI Palaiologos
The Mentioned
Constantine XI fights valiantly to the end, becoming a symbol of the Byzantine Empire's final, tragic stand.
Themes & Insights
The Cost of Power and Ambition
The novel explores the sacrifices needed to gain and keep power. Lada's ruthless pursuit of the Wallachian throne forces her to abandon compassion and embrace brutality, alienating allies and her brother. Radu, serving Mehmed, sees the destructive results of imperial ambition during Constantinople's siege, forcing him to choose between loyalty and humanity. Mehmed's relentless drive to conquer Constantinople, while achieving his goal, causes immense suffering and the destruction of old cultures. All three characters grapple with the moral compromises and personal losses inherent in their quest for control.
“Blood will have blood. It is the only coin the world accepts for power.”
Conflicting Loyalties and Identity
Both Lada and Radu are pulled between multiple, often conflicting, loyalties. Lada is loyal to Wallachia and her independence, but also carries the complex weight of her past with Mehmed. Radu struggles with his devotion to Mehmed and the Ottoman Empire versus his family ties to Lada and his growing empathy for Constantinople's people. His identity is split between his Wallachian heritage and his adopted Ottoman life, further complicated by his faith and personal relationships. This theme highlights the difficulty of defining oneself when caught between warring cultures, religions, and personal attachments, especially during times of great geopolitical change.
“To be loyal to one, I must betray another. There is no other way.”
The Nature of Love and Betrayal
Love, in its various forms—romantic, familial, platonic—is tied to betrayal throughout the story. Lada's love for Mehmed is damaged by their political rivalry and her past abandonment, becoming a mix of lingering affection and bitter enmity. Radu's unrequited love for Mehmed fuels his loyalty but also causes him pain and moral conflict. The deep, often strained, bond between Lada and Radu is tested by their different paths and perceived betrayals, showing how love can endure even through conflict, yet also be a source of deep hurt. Trust is fragile, and the line between love and betrayal is constantly blurred.
“Love was a weapon, a tool, a weakness. She had no room for it.”
Redemption and Moral Compromise
The novel explores whether characters, especially Lada and Radu, can find redemption amidst their brutal actions and moral compromises. Lada commits extreme violence, believing it necessary for her survival and her cause, but these actions move her further from conventional morality. Radu, serving Mehmed, engages in espionage that helps destroy Constantinople, forcing him to confront his loyalty's ethical implications. His acts of compassion during the city's fall suggest a path towards personal redemption, even as he continues to operate in a morally ambiguous world. The book questions whether certain actions can ever truly be forgiven or if characters are forever marked by their choices.
“What good is an empire if you lose your soul to build it?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Parallel Narratives
Alternating chapters follow Lada's and Radu's separate but intertwined journeys.
The novel employs parallel narratives, with alternating chapters focusing on Lada's brutal campaign in Wallachia and Radu's espionage mission in Constantinople. This device allows the reader to experience the unfolding events from two distinct perspectives, highlighting the contrasting personalities and moral dilemmas of the Dracul siblings. It builds suspense by showing how their individual actions and choices impact the larger geopolitical conflict and foreshadows their eventual, inevitable collision, while also emphasizing their emotional distance and differing paths.
Historical Setting and Figures
The story is set against the backdrop of real historical events and features historical figures.
The novel is deeply rooted in the historical context of the 15th century, specifically the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and the political landscape of Wallachia. It incorporates real historical figures like Mehmed II, Constantine XI, and of course, the Dracul siblings (Vlad the Impaler and Radu the Handsome, reimagined). This device grounds the fantastical elements in a tangible reality, adding a layer of authenticity and gravitas to the story. It allows the author to explore themes of empire, religion, and power through the lens of a pivotal moment in history, while also taking creative liberties with the personal lives and motivations of these figures.
Internal Monologue
Extensive use of characters' thoughts and reflections to reveal their inner turmoil.
Both Lada and Radu engage in significant internal monologues, providing deep insight into their complex emotional states, motivations, and moral struggles. Lada's monologues reveal her fierce determination, her suppressed pain, and her relentless drive for power, often contrasting with her outward stoicism. Radu's monologues expose his sensitivity, his conflicts of loyalty, and his growing empathy. This device allows the reader to understand the profound internal battles faced by the protagonists, especially when their actions contradict their true feelings, and highlights the psychological toll of their respective journeys.
Symbolism of the Dragon
The Dracul name and the dragon motif symbolize Lada's fierce nature and heritage.
The 'Dracul' name, meaning 'Dragon' or 'Devil,' is a potent symbol throughout the novel, particularly for Lada. It represents her fierce, untamed nature, her lineage, and the fear she inspires. The dragon motif is often associated with her brutality, strength, and her refusal to be caged or controlled. For Radu, the name is a heavier burden, a reminder of a heritage he struggles to reconcile with his gentler nature. This symbolism reinforces their contrasting characters and their shared, yet differently interpreted, legacy.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Love is a weakness, a distraction. It makes you soft when you need to be hard. It makes you hesitate when you need to strike.”
— Lada's internal struggle with her feelings for Radu and Mehmed.
“A monster is not born, it is made. And sometimes, it is made by those who claim to love you most.”
— Lada reflecting on her harsh upbringing and the impact of her father's cruelty.
“The world is not fair, and it never will be. But that doesn't mean we stop fighting for what's right.”
— Lada's grim determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
“Sometimes, the only way to save the people you love is to become the very thing they fear.”
— Lada's willingness to embrace her brutal reputation for the sake of Wallachia.
“Power is not given, it is taken. And once you have it, you must never let it go.”
— Lada's philosophy on leadership and control.
“To be a ruler is to be a monster. To rule is to make choices no sane person should ever have to make.”
— Lada contemplating the heavy burden of governing Wallachia.
“He saw the monster in me, and he loved it. He saw the monster in me, and he feared it. Both were true, and both were terrifying.”
— Lada's complex relationship with Mehmed.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can make you believe in impossible dreams, and then crush you when they shatter.”
— Lada's cynical view on hope, born from repeated disappointments.
“There are many ways to be strong. Some are with a sword, and some are with a gentle word.”
— Radu's perspective on strength, contrasting with Lada's.
“Sometimes, the hardest battles are fought not with armies, but within your own heart.”
— Radu's internal struggles with his faith, loyalty, and love.
“You do not have to be a man to lead. You only have to be brave.”
— A message of encouragement or observation about Lada's capabilities.
“Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice.”
— A reflection on the true nature of lasting peace, often in the context of political maneuvering.
“The greatest weapon is not a sword or a spear, but the mind.”
— Emphasizing the importance of strategy and intellect in warfare and politics.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the start of 'Now I Rise,' Lada's main objective is to reclaim the Wallachian throne and punish those who have wronged her. She leads her men, including Bogdan, in a campaign of terror across the countryside, driven by a fierce desire for power and vengeance after her previous failure to secure the throne.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
