Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews
Written on Aug 9, 2013
I thought the writing was beautiful. J.M. Sidorova always knew which word to use and created vivid portraits of Russia and the Arctics. I also thought the characters and storyline were well developed. I liked the background we were given of Alexander, and without becoming Dr. Phil with his life defining moments, I felt his rocky relationships with his father and brother Andrei shaped him into the determined person he grew into. In general, I preferred reading of his personal life rather than his professional.
Alexander was obsessed with getting an erection, and felt he really took advantage of Marie and Anna to "test out" his ability. It disgusted me. I realize it was a very different time but is procreation really that big of a deal, or does it just define "manliness"? I also found his time in the Leib Guard a little tedious. It really just didn't do anything for me. Perhaps it was just too militarian. Also, and I don't mean to sound like a prude but there was that bit about Alexander's erectile dysfunction, being unable to satisfy the Empress. This paragraph makes it sound like it is all about sex, and it really isn't, that's just my pet peeve. The subject seemed unnecessary, and added little to the story.
Yes, the writing was beautiful and it had an interesting premise but I had difficulty with The Age of Ice, skimming the last sixty pages. It felt too factual and was almost like reading a textbook. In short, I always had a full night's rest when I read The Age of Ice
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review