Romanov - Nadine Brandes Audiobook

Written by Nadine Brandes
Read by Jessica Ball
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: May 7, 2019
Duration: 11:02:14

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 saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her…

Nastya and Zash grow closer even though they know only pain can come of their relationship. Then the unimaginable happens–and Nastya must find a way to save her family.

Brandes’ (Fawkes, 2018, etc.) accuracy in this retelling–the majority of the characters and events are true–and the bits of Russian sprinkled throughout are highlights. However, the second half of Nastya’s story is a noticeable departure from the well-paced beginning; it feels almost like a separate story with a forced romance and a focus on Nastya’s internal turmoil.

A review— Brandes focuses on character development and makes the mysterious Romanovs much more relatable to readers. However, the world-building around the Russian Civil War is underdeveloped, which can be jarring when it is brought up in the text. The use of fantasy and magic is an interesting twist, but could have been developed more. However, the plot and character building provide a great entry point to readers new to historical fantasy. VERDICT Older fans of the animated film Anastasia will enjoy this story, as will fans of R.L. LaFevers, Evelyn Skye, and Lucy Worsley’s YA novels. Place this book in the hands of readers new to the historical fantasy genre