This book was just so much fun. I absolutely loved Lev and Kolya's banter and I could read a book that was just Kolya's rantings. Their friendship is definitely now one of my favorite fictional relationships. As well, I thought it was hilarious how time in the book was basically tracked by how long it had been since Kolya took a shit last. I've read plenty of books that are widely considered to be funny (a few discworld books, good omens, hitchhikers guide) and the biggest reaction it'll ever get out of me is an exhale from the nose and that's about it.

This book genuinely made me laugh out loud so many times, like when Kolya says some absolutely heinous things about someone's mother to prove he's a native Russian speaker and not a german spy. Still, I appreciate that it knew when to take itself seriously, some scenes were very tense to read. My only critique is that I wish it was longer. I'm sure this book spits in the face of historical accuracy and everything, but god damn, it was an incredibly fun read that was an absolute breeze to read. I took a quick break from the Count of Monte Cristo for a few days and this book was exactly the quick change of pace I needed to be able to pick up Monte Cristo again and keep reading it.