Romanov

by Nadine Brandes

[verkaskodova]

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.***

I must admit, I’ve always loved the animated movie. I can’t stop myself when it comes to Romanov history, it doesn‘t matter if it‘s a retelling, musical or historical book. I must have it.



Just to make it clear: This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a historical book with “what if” and few spells that make the whole plot possible. Yes, there are “spell masters”, but you can easily believe in their existence when you consider Rasputin and all that. Almost.

I would’ve rated this book more positively if I could call it a fairytale, but I can’t. Nadine Brandes tries to make this story as accurate as possible and therefore it must be reviewed mainly as a historical book.

From the very beginning, the Romanovs felt like saints. They loved each other, they loved their friends, they loved their enemies and they always did their best for their people. Nikolai was pictured as a strong leader and the tsarina as a person who deeply cared for her ill son and therefore hasn’t much time to spare when it came to other children.

All members of the family were always nice to each other which would be impossible in such a small space. They would’ve fight each other time to time, because real people become easily nervous in conditions such as these. Even if they love each other. Not mentioning I know nothing about Olga or Tatiana, because they were barely there. I’m not even sure why the tsar was pictured as a victim of propaganda considering Bloody Sunday or the fact it wasn’t him who ruled, but his wife.

What I really appreciated was pictured insecurity in Ipatiev house and awful conditions in which the Romanovs were forced to live in. This part felt very real and constricting just as it should be. The quick pacing held my attention till the end and even if I consider historical inaccuracy and some plot holes, I enjoyed this book.

If you’re interested in Russian history and young adult is your thing, you’ll like this one. Especially if you grew up on the famous animated movie.