Nadine Brandes
Thomas Nelson | May 7, 2019
Historical Fiction, Fantasy
{GoodReads}
From the author of Fawkes comes a magical take on the story of Anastasia Romanov.
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.
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{The Basics}
Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this magical, historical fiction about the infamous Romanov family. As we all know, it was believed for a time that Anastasia, fourth daughter of Russian Tsar Nikolai Romanov, and her younger brother Alexei had survived the rebellious revolution to overthrow the family's reign. Nadine Brandes gives a page-turning, historically accurate (with the exception of magic) tale of familial love and humility in the eyes of oppression.
Our story begins with the family in exile, moving from one prison to another. The conditions are extremely poor, to say the least, and their rations little to nothing, resulting in malnutrition---despite the houses having once been beautiful places of nobility.
Forced to live under such circumstances, the Romanovs make the most of their time, and under the leadership of their papa, they treat their captors with respect and humility, befriending those who are willing and displaying the high value of their own characters and the biblical command in loving those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). However, escape and rescue is never too far from their minds, for the Red Army is under orders to keep them captive until further orders---be that execution or otherwise.
Nastya's greatest desire is that they would be banished to some unknown village where they could live happily as peasants, as a family, for the rest of their lives. But as history has revealed, that was never meant to be.
{Spiritual Content}
The family prays quite often, and Papa reads from the Bibliya daily, to keep up their spirits.
Did I mention this story contains magic?? What a neat twist for a historical fiction novel! The magic system is incredibly unique in that it uses spell ink, and one must paint it on whatever is needing the magic and speak/sing the word for it to be used.
Rasputin is mentioned briefly as a spell master for the Romanovs, until he was executed. The Red Army hunts such spell masters in fear that they could rise up in rebellion and form a formidable army against them.
{Violence}
Alexei suffers from hemophilia, a blood disease that does not allow his blood to clot. Because of that, any bruise or cut he gets could be fatal. He acquires a bruise on his knee simply from getting up from slipping and it swells to three times its size.
The family hears gunshots nearly every day in a nearby village---executions the Red Army take out. A man is shot in the head as a punishment for interaction with the family. Throats are slit, people are shot, or beaten.
{Language // Alcohol & Drugs}
None, with exception of one use of "b-----d." There's mention of lewd writings soldier wrote in the bathroom the girls use, but nothing is explained in the story.
A commandant is constantly drunk, having to guard the family. Vodka bottles are strewn all about his office.
{Romantic Content}
One of Nastya's sisters falls for a friendly soldier. Nothing happens romantically, other than a shared kiss, but their relationship is really sweet. Nastya herself is attracted to Zash.
Gossip has traveled around the Russian people about Nastya's mother and her time spent alone with the spell master, Rasputin, behind closed doors. Nastya confronts Mamma regarding this, simply wishing to know the truth.
{Conclusion}
All in all, I LOVED this book! I so enjoyed how Mrs Brandes captured the personalities and characters of the family members. There is no doubt whatsoever that they love each other and would do whatever is in their power to protect them. This tale is written from Nastya's perspective, who we learn is a mistress of mischief, who loves to make her family laugh, and would risk her life to give them some form of relief from their sufferings. She adores her papa, encourages her mother and sisters, and is fully present for her ailing younger brother---who is more mature than his age suggests.
It's certainly not like 20th Century Fox film Anastasia (1997), but it is a unique and thrilling take on the Romanov family. I would highly recommend!
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Ages 16+
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book has intrigued me, though I am by no means a fan of historical fiction. However, I love the story of Anastasia in the movie and was slightly disappointed to see no signs of Dimitri in the description of the book. However, I still want to read it some time. :D Great review!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand! But I would still recommend!! it's unlike any historical fiction you've ever read. :] And sadly, no Dimitri, but I do like Zash <3
DeleteThanks, girlie!
Aaaahhhhh! I loved reading your thoughts on this! I am SO, SOOOO looking forward to this one. I am a total Nadine Brandes fangirl. Her books are fantastic, and this one looks especially epic!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! This was actually the FIRST of her books I've read... O___O But I do have Fawkes on my TBR list very soon!! Love her style. :]
Deleteahhh, I am SO EXCITED for this book! I absolutely love Nadine Brandes and all her books <3 <3. great review, Sarah! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Allison! You'll love this one, I'm sure! :D
DeleteThis book looks so interesting! Definitely one I hope to read sometime. As always, thanks for sharing your helpful review with us. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it. I think you will! *^ - ^*
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