Romanov
Books | Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
3.6
(408)
Nadine Brandes
My name is Anastasia. The history books say I died. 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 saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to 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.Praise for Romanov:"I am obsessed with this book! A magical twist on history that will have Anastasia fans wishing for more. I loved every detail Brandes wrote. If you love magic and Imperial Russia, you want Romanov on your shelf!" —Evelyn Skye"Romanov will cast a spell on readers and immerse them in a history anyone would long to be a part of." —Sasha Alsberg"If you think you know the story behind Anastasia Romanov, think again! The perfect blend of history and fantasy, Romanov takes a deeper look at the days leading up to the family’s tragedy, while also exploring the possibilities behind the mysteries that have long intrigued history buffs everywhere. Brandes weaves a brilliant and intricate saga of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. Prepare to have your breath stolen by this gorgeous novel of brilliant prose and epic enchantment." —Sara EllaFull-length historical fantasyIncludes discussion questions for book clubsPaperback contains special bonus chapter
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More Details:
Author
Nadine Brandes
Pages
352
Publisher
Thomas Nelson
Published Date
2019-05-07
ISBN
0785217258 9780785217251
Ratings
Google: 4
Community ReviewsSee all
"<a href="https://laughinglistener.com/"><br/>The Laughing Listener</a><br/><b>May 2019</b><br/><i>*I was graciously given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*</i><br/><b>Format:</b> Hardcover<br/><b>Overall Rating:</b> 5 Stars<br/><br/>When I requested to review this book, I didn’t completely know what I was getting into. I saw “Anastasia retelling” and put my bookish blinders on against the rest. Now that I’ve read <i>Romanov</i>, it’s DEFINITELY not what I was expecting at all, but I mean that in the best way. This is no light-hearted princess fantasy. It’s an emotional, historically accurate story that just happens to have some magic in it. And I freaking LOVED EVERY SECOND.<br/><br/>In high school, I was in an advanced English class. Because of this, my guidance counselor thought it would be a great idea for me to enroll in advanced History as well. I thought this was a terrible plan because me and history don’t mix, but got talked into it anyway. Turns out I was right and barely scraped by that class with a D, BUT—we had a whole unit on the Grand Duchess Anastasia and the whole Romanov family. I completely forgot everything I learned the moment I stepped out the classroom door that year, but it didn’t take me long to remember when I started reading this. A few pages in, it all came flooding back and I knew this was going to be a rough ride. Spoiler alert: I was definitely not wrong.<br/><br/><img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/rDl1hAg81PRjq/giphy.gif" width="" height="" alt="I’m a mess."><br/><br/>This novel is so emotional and heavy, but I mean that as a compliment! From the very beginning I was taken on a journey and I couldn’t put this down. Even knowing the ending didn’t change how invested I was or quiet my urge to find out what happens. All of the characters are so rich and amazing. I really loved getting to know them all, especially the Romanov family. Their bond to one another was so lovely to watch and seeing those bonds last through such adversity was inspiring. I have to admit that Anastasia and Alexei were my favorite to watch, but they were all really special. <br/><br/>It was also so beautifully written??? I saved soooo many quotes reading this thing because Brandes is such a wonderful storyteller! And the way she seamless weaved magic into the story was PERFECT. This book is more historical fiction with some fantasy elements thrown in, but it was done so effortlessly that I almost believe this actually happened. That the Grand Duchess Anastasia was an aspiring spell master with a magical Matryoshka doll. <br/><br/><img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/12NUbkX6p4xOO4/giphy.gif" width="" height="" alt="MAGIC"><br/><br/>Lastly, I’d like to give Brandes a shout out for the romance between Zash and Nastya. It took a backseat to the plot and family relationships, which I really appreciated! Playing up the romance too much would have cheapened the message and I’m glad it was so subtle and elegant.<br/><br/><b>FINAL WORD</b><br/><br/>This book may be emotional, but it’s AMAZING and beautiful. If you’re a lover historical fiction and fantasy, then you should ABSOLUTELY read this. You won’t regret it!"
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