Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Product Details
Web ID: 16223578Great book
Emotional, captivating, and surprising, this book was lovely to read. My only complaint was how long it took to get started. Overall a great read.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Brilliant, emotional, and full of heart.
Romanov is a heart wrenching story of love, loss, freedom and what it means to hold true to your values, ethics, and morals even in the direst circumstances. While this story is labeled YA Fantasy and Historical fiction, I have to say it is heavy on the historical fiction (85%) and the fantasy is the other (15%). If you love history, if you are curious about mysteries and how they might have turned out then this is the story for you. I fell in love with the Romanovs (the real ones) from an early age and I have been obsessed with them ever since. This story called to me on every level and didn’t disappoint. The story in and of itself is about the heart of the Romanov and their love for their family and their country despite the change in values, and leadership. Most of the story (about 3/4) takes place in exile and though the eyes of the Romanov’s. As they come to terms with their new life, they still have hope for their future and love for their people (even if it feels like betrayal at times). I loved the humility of the Tsar and of this family, there is just something so amazing about people who have still be positive when the world is falling apart. The story eventually progresses to that ultimate outcome (the one we know happened) but with a twist. This is where most of the magic comes in; and what magic it is! I loved where the author decided to take the story. The ending brightens the darkness of the story’s moments. I think the story wouldn’t have been as success for me if the author haven't kept as true to the facts and people as she did. The story is about the Romanov’s and their strength and the fact that in real life they were as amazing as they could be. She kept the history and the heart the same and only added a touch of magic as to how many of us would have liked the real story to end. Sad, realistic, moving, haunting, hopeful, strength and love are all present in this story and really moved me in ways I never saw coming. This has made my favorites list and I will come back to this heartfelt story again and again. Five magic stars.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great Read
Okay, I didn't "read" this one, I listened to the book on tape, but it was so engaging! There are so many betrayals in this and one in particular made me cry out in horror while on the highway! I really enjoyed the magic mixed into this historical story, I'm a sucker for fantasy! Wow, Nadine, I cannot wait until your next release!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Magic system fell flat
The story of Anastasia, and the lore surrounding her possible escape from execution, is one that has always been of interest to me. When I saw that Romanov was a combination of that infamous story AND magic, I was very excited to read it. I received an eARC of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and was thrilled when I received the notification. Ultimately, this book fell very flat for me. The first 2/3 of the book was just a retelling of a story that I already knew very well. Following the February Revolution, the Romanovs are imprisoned by the Bolsheviks and are ultimately moved to Yekaterinburg. This book’s storyline picks up right before the move to Yekaterinburg where they are ultimately executed. The only “magical” component of the first 2/3 of the book centers around the securing of a matryoshka doll that supposedly contains spells. That is pretty much all the magic the reader encounters until about 2/3 of the way through when a few more “magical” things happen. The last 1/3 of the book was more what I was expecting going in to the book, however the magic system was poorly explained and the magic made things way too convenient, which is one of my big pet peeves in books with poorly written magical elements. Overall, I think I would’ve enjoyed this book as a middle grade reader, however, I think it’s too long to keep an MG reader’s attention.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Life-Changing
What was the last book that really changed your life? For me, it was Romanov. I was reading it last night and kept underlining section after section. I don't want to spoil anything for someone who hasn't read it yet, so I'll just say this: this book changed a real-life relationship for me and helped me to find peace. This was the book I-didn't-know-I-needed until now.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Extraordinary Book
This book is above and beyond! From beginning to end there is always something that is pulling on your heart strings or keeping you at the edge of your seat. This retelling of Anastasia is absolutely breathtaking. I don’t think words can describe how much I love this book. Nastya and all the other protagonists are very easy to pity and grow attachments to. I definitely recommend you give this book a shot.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Utterly Stunning!
This book! I love, love, loved it. It was endearing, humorous, and heartbreaking all rolled into one, and handled a tragic subject with much sensitivity and heart. The magic felt fascinating and unique, and the romance oh so compelling! I absolutely adored Nastya with all her humour and love for her family. This will certainly be a story I reread in months to come. Highly recommended!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Historical Anastasia with Fantastical Elements
My Anastasia fix has finally been met!!! If you're looking for a fresh and magical view of one of the most mysterious princesses of our time, look no further than ROMANOV. I couldn't put it down, and I started the book super late at night. Nadine takes wonderful stories and gives you the twists and turns of a completely new plot. You never know what is coming next. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you sob but you're always in love with how she brings humanity to her readers. Drop what you're doing and go read this. ***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com