"Romanov" by Nadine Brandes
“The history books say I died... They don’t know the half of it.”
Anastasia “Natsya” Romanov, former princess of Russia, was instructed to smuggle an illegal ancient spell into exile in the form of a Matryoshka doll. Releasing the spells inside the magical doll could be her family’s only salvation from death by the hands of radical Bolshevik soldiers.
But the consequences could be disastrous.
Although loyal to the former Tsar and his family, the White Army is miles away and a rescue would be too much of a risk. Natsya decides to take matters into her own hands but doing so will lead to either releasing the volatile spells or trusting the handsome but unpredictable Bolshevik soldier, Zash.
Hiding a magical Matryoshka in plain sight is harder than it sounds. What's more is that Natsya finds herself fighting her growing attraction to Zash. With her every move being watched, the ex-princess must stay clear of the cunning leader of the Bolsheviks, General Yurovsky. And nothing will stop him until she and her family are dead.
Not even royal blood can stop bullets.
Romanov.
Romanov.
Romanov.
If you think you know the story of Anastasia (most likely from the 1997 animated film), please do yourself a favor and forget all of it.
Nadine Brandes’ newest book transports you to early 1900's Russia, into the history of the Romanov family. "Romanov" is narrated by the strong, mischievous, and delightful heroine, Anastasia. Secretly aspiring to be a spell master, impish "Natsya" hopes to save her family, and particularly her sick younger brother, from death in exile. She shares her story through emotionally intense chapters, painting the underlying tension masked by the normalcy of everyday life in exile.
Through Natsya's eyes, you will watch the Romanov family meet trial after trial with love and grace.
You will encounter Zash, the loyal soldier whose quiet and stand-offish demeanor hides many secrets.
You will run from General Yurovsky, the grisly leader of the Bolsheviks, who may have earned the title of "The Most Hated Villain" from me.
And you will get to know the young, sickly tsarervich, Alexei. His optimism, joy, and dry sense of humor is a light in the darkness the Romanov family face daily. (I would literally go to war for him - not kidding.)
The family bond in this story nearly brought me to tears. The courage and love the Romanovs' share is incredibly inspiring. Throughout the book, they repeatedly use the phrase “The bond of our hearts spans miles, memory, and time." Throughout "Romanov", you will watch Natysa struggle to forgive but she constantly go back to the examples her family gives her. Nothing is stronger than the relationship the Romanovs' have, not even death.
As much as I loved the ending to this book, the beginning can be slow. About two thirds of the book feel like historical set-up but once you finish the book, it all comes into perspective. The ending was emotional wrap-up that kept me turning page after page. (I read this book so quickly, I'm a little afraid I missed some things. *sheepish grimace* I will be re-reading “Romanov” again in the near future.)
I'll admit that I hoped for more magic intertwined in the history, more vivid description of characters and places in the narrative, and more of the Russian landscape and culture woven into “Romanov”. But Nadine Brandes still brings a magical book to the table that inspires her readers to love their enemies and fight for their families.
If you decide to pick up “Romanov”, make sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. Nadine breaks done the historical and fictional aspects of her book, bringing the story to life even more. The work she took to tie so many historical details into her story is amazing and I really hope she has a another historical fantasy in the works.
Not only did this book make me want to eat borscht all day long and buy a Russian nesting doll, but it taught me the magic of love and forgiveness in a way no other book could.
I give “Romanov” 4 Matryoshka dolls out of 5.
What's your favorite book set in Russia? I can't wait to hear from you!
Until next time book lovers!
~ K.J. Haakenson
Anastasia “Natsya” Romanov, former princess of Russia, was instructed to smuggle an illegal ancient spell into exile in the form of a Matryoshka doll. Releasing the spells inside the magical doll could be her family’s only salvation from death by the hands of radical Bolshevik soldiers.
But the consequences could be disastrous.
Although loyal to the former Tsar and his family, the White Army is miles away and a rescue would be too much of a risk. Natsya decides to take matters into her own hands but doing so will lead to either releasing the volatile spells or trusting the handsome but unpredictable Bolshevik soldier, Zash.
Hiding a magical Matryoshka in plain sight is harder than it sounds. What's more is that Natsya finds herself fighting her growing attraction to Zash. With her every move being watched, the ex-princess must stay clear of the cunning leader of the Bolsheviks, General Yurovsky. And nothing will stop him until she and her family are dead.
Not even royal blood can stop bullets.
Romanov.
Romanov.
Romanov.
If you think you know the story of Anastasia (most likely from the 1997 animated film), please do yourself a favor and forget all of it.
Nadine Brandes’ newest book transports you to early 1900's Russia, into the history of the Romanov family. "Romanov" is narrated by the strong, mischievous, and delightful heroine, Anastasia. Secretly aspiring to be a spell master, impish "Natsya" hopes to save her family, and particularly her sick younger brother, from death in exile. She shares her story through emotionally intense chapters, painting the underlying tension masked by the normalcy of everyday life in exile.
Through Natsya's eyes, you will watch the Romanov family meet trial after trial with love and grace.
You will encounter Zash, the loyal soldier whose quiet and stand-offish demeanor hides many secrets.
You will run from General Yurovsky, the grisly leader of the Bolsheviks, who may have earned the title of "The Most Hated Villain" from me.
And you will get to know the young, sickly tsarervich, Alexei. His optimism, joy, and dry sense of humor is a light in the darkness the Romanov family face daily. (I would literally go to war for him - not kidding.)
The family bond in this story nearly brought me to tears. The courage and love the Romanovs' share is incredibly inspiring. Throughout the book, they repeatedly use the phrase “The bond of our hearts spans miles, memory, and time." Throughout "Romanov", you will watch Natysa struggle to forgive but she constantly go back to the examples her family gives her. Nothing is stronger than the relationship the Romanovs' have, not even death.
As much as I loved the ending to this book, the beginning can be slow. About two thirds of the book feel like historical set-up but once you finish the book, it all comes into perspective. The ending was emotional wrap-up that kept me turning page after page. (I read this book so quickly, I'm a little afraid I missed some things. *sheepish grimace* I will be re-reading “Romanov” again in the near future.)
I'll admit that I hoped for more magic intertwined in the history, more vivid description of characters and places in the narrative, and more of the Russian landscape and culture woven into “Romanov”. But Nadine Brandes still brings a magical book to the table that inspires her readers to love their enemies and fight for their families.
If you decide to pick up “Romanov”, make sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. Nadine breaks done the historical and fictional aspects of her book, bringing the story to life even more. The work she took to tie so many historical details into her story is amazing and I really hope she has a another historical fantasy in the works.
Not only did this book make me want to eat borscht all day long and buy a Russian nesting doll, but it taught me the magic of love and forgiveness in a way no other book could.
I give “Romanov” 4 Matryoshka dolls out of 5.
What's your favorite book set in Russia? I can't wait to hear from you!
Until next time book lovers!
~ K.J. Haakenson
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