Before I even start to tell you how magnificent I think that this book is, let me tell you that I have been fascinated by the story of the Romanov's since probably Junior High when I wrote a term paper on them. Ever since I've read quite a bit on the family and their fate. When I saw the theme of th... more

Before I even start to tell you how magnificent I think that this book is, let me tell you that I have been fascinated by the story of the Romanov's since probably Junior High when I wrote a term paper on them. Ever since I've read quite a bit on the family and their fate. When I saw the theme of this book I really was dying to get my hands on it. I was really hoping for something really great and I wasn't disappointed at all in this debut novel by Joy Preble. After reading the synopsis above I had really high hopes for this fantasy adventure and over and over while I read I was rewarded. I'd recommend this to any adult who's been interested in this story. Preble has woven a wonderful story that embraces the Romanov legend and gives it a bit of a twist. Even young readers who aren't knowledgeable about the Romanov's won't be lost in the story. By telling it from three different perspectives it's all laid out well and easy to understand. While this book is listed as a YA book, it's definitely one that parents can pick up and be just as thrilled with. The action never really stops in this book and I found myself hating to put it down for things like eating and sleeping ;) I found the dialogue between characters to be very believable, and the action was fast-paced and really moved the story along. Interspersed with the story of Anne and Ethan there were handwritten letters that Anastasia writes to her family that tell the story of the Romanov family. This is definitely one you'll be happy to see your teen reading. I'd give this book 5 stars! I absolutely loved this one!