Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Romanov

by 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 Ella

  • Full-length historical fantasy
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs
  • Paperback contains special bonus chapter

Reviewed by bestmessever on

3 of 5 stars

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At first I wasn't sure that I was going to continue reading this book because the beginning is rather slow and a bit confusing. Everything is much clearer by about 50 pages in I would say and that's when my interest was caught. This is the story of the royal Romanov family that was held hostage in a small house for months. I really enjoyed the character of the tsar, his selfless and the way he loved his people and family was incredible. Our main character got on my nerves quite a bit but I did love her fighting spirit. I think Alexi was my favorite character and I kinda wish that he had been the main character or at least had his own POV chapters.

The ending was okay but it did wrap up rather quickly and with in a nice bow too. I gave it a 3.5 and would be interested to see what else this author puts out.

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  • 16 April, 2020: Reviewed