Title: Romanov
Author: Nadine Brandes
First published May 7, 2019
337 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780785217244 (ISBN10: 078521724X)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
No one expected Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov to survive the execution of her family. She didn’t either until a powerful mage granted her a second chance at life.
But with her family gone and her country torn apart by revolution, Nastya finds herself alone and targeted by those who want to finish what they started. The only way to survive is to find a way to fight back.
With the help of a group of rebels and a mysterious young man named Zash, Nastya sets out on a dangerous mission to take down the Bolsheviks and reclaim her family’s legacy. But as she gets closer to achieving her goals, Nastya realizes that there may be more to Zash than meets the eye, and that the price of victory may be higher than she ever imagined.
About the Author
Nadine Brandes is an accomplished author, having won awards for her works including FAWKES, ROMANOV, and the Out of Time Series. She takes her research seriously, even spending four days as a sea cook for her book.
Her interests include talking about the soul, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos, which make her inner fangirl happy. In her free time, she explores Middle Earth and tries out new chai flavors.
Nadine and her husband, who works as an Auror, are currently building a Tiny House on wheels with their Halfling children. Their goal is to spread peace and harmony throughout the world.
You can see her charming and quirky personality on her social media pages.
Editoral Review
Nadine Brandes, the author of Romanov, has the unique ability to transport readers to another world with rich, descriptive prose and captivating storytelling. Romanov was first published on May 7, 2019, and it is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel loosely based on the life of Anastasia Romanov.
Brandes masterfully captures the voice and essence of Anastasia Romanov as she weaves a tale of intrigue, romance, and betrayal in the final days of the Russian monarchy. The novel is set in 1918 Russia and begins as the Romanov family is taken into captivity by the Bolshevik revolutionaries.
Anastasia and her family are moved from the opulent palace to a grimy, cramped house in the Ural Mountains where they await their unknown fate. The novel follows Anastasia’s journey as she discovers her own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The strength of the novel lies in its in-depth character development. Anastasia is a brave and fierce protagonist who is easy to root for.
Her relationships with her family members are heartwarming, and the bond she forms with the Bolshevik guard is heartbreakingly powerful. The secondary characters are also well fleshed out and bring depth to the story.
Brandes’s detailed and historically accurate portrayal of 1918 Russia is impressive. The political upheaval and societal changes are clearly depicted, and the historical events add a sense of urgency to the story.
However, while the novel is rich in details, the pacing can at times feel slow. The story takes a while to build up momentum, which can be frustrating for readers looking for a more action-packed experience.
Additionally, the novel’s ending may leave some readers unsatisfied as not all of the loose ends are tied up neatly. Romanov fits perfectly into the historical fiction genre and would appeal to fans of the genre.
The novel also has relevance in today’s world as it explores themes such as the value of family, the importance of loyalty, and the dangers of political extremism. Overall, Romanov is a beautifully written and engaging novel that provides a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in world history.
Fans of historical fiction will devour this book, and those looking for a thought-provoking read will not be disappointed either. Romanov gets a rating of 4 out of 5, based on its compelling characters, meticulous research, and a gripping storyline.
It will leave readers wanting more from this talented author.