To put it less simply...
Nadine takes her readers on a wild, romantic, mysterious, and magical ride through the pages of Romanov. I have though of Anastasia in the past - you can't get away from the animated version of course, but the fact that it's a real story is also intriguing. When I found out that Nadine was writing about her story, I couldn't wait.
The story itself never stops moving. I wouldn't call all of it 'fast paced' but when it's not fast, it's like a dangerous river, always rushing past to the next section of rapids. In that way, this book will gain (and hold) your attention. The characters, while there are many of them, are well fleshed out to the point that they need to be, and create a true sense of familiarity with Nastya.
As for the magical aspect of this story - it is excellent! I won't go into much detail here (no spoilers, thank you) but Nadine builds it so seamlessly into the book that it's not only believable but surprising in the BEST way.
Lastly, the romance. Just wonderful! As always, Nadine writes it so sweetly but yet the passion is not missed. I was convinced of everything in the end and that left me so satisfied.
Overall - 5 stars doesn't seem like enough for this wonderful book! I enjoyed every minute of it and can recommend it to anyone who enjoys magical realism or fantasy with in the context of history!
My rating: 5*
Purchase: Romanov (pre-order now! it comes out May 7, 2019)
Romanov
by Nadine Brandes
They don’t know the half of it.
Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.
Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .
That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
__________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Excellent review Emilie!
ReplyDelete