Romanov
by Nadine Brandes
What they say: 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 survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for 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.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: I read Romanov a while ago so it feels like I've been waiting ages to write this review. To say I really enjoyed Romanov feels a bit strange considering what happens and the historical aspects, but I did enjoy Nastya's story in all its complicated and heartbreaking glory!
The story is about the infamous Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov (Nikolaevna) and her family and their fall from grace. We meet Anastasia, Nastya to her friends and family, in the midst of the Russian Revolution as the Romanov's face their dramatic decline and the collapse of the Russian monarchy.
If you're expecting lots of dramatic action than Romanov probably isn't the book for you because yes we see history or a version of it depicted on the pages, but the story is really about family, courage and love. Despite everything going on around her Nastya manages to find the good in people even when living in exile.
I don't know enough about Russian history to be able to comment on the truths in the story and the elements of poetic license but I enjoyed the lighter moments and the hint of forbidden romance. As for the outcome well don't worry no spoilers here but I knew certain events were coming but I kept hoping something would change things. I remember watching the cartoon version of Anastasia years ago and always held out hope that maybe she did escape and was living freely out there somewhere.
My favourite part of the story was Nastya. I liked her positivity mixed with realism and how she's portrayed as very different to how certain military people would have wanted her and her family to be seen.
4 Stars in my Sky!
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