jennfgarcia's review against another edition
5.0
When I agreed to review this book I had no idea it was a companion to a book (The Bronze Horseman) I had wanted to read. Bellagrand can be read without reading the others, but I imagine it would be so much better with more of the story.
This story was incredibly sad, heart wrenchingly sad. The words, the realities, the people and their stupid beliefs and decisions, and the pain... Paullina has a way with words and she pulled feelings from me that I didn't know what to do with. She made me hate the characters in the book with such passion that it stayed with me for days. One of the characters could not have been redeemed at all, I hated him the whole time. The heroine was just weak but I did feel bad for her sometimes. I mean, what do you do when you love someone so much that you'd be willing to jeopardize the life of your child to be with your man?
It takes a great author to make a reader feel so much. She brings you into the story so you feel as if you are the characters and their pain, happiness, and downfalls are yours. It's amazing. This author is one I'll continue to read, and when I have time, I want to read all of her books.
I recommend this book to anyone that love historicals, love, hate, strong feelings, politics, and stupid heroes.
This story was incredibly sad, heart wrenchingly sad. The words, the realities, the people and their stupid beliefs and decisions, and the pain... Paullina has a way with words and she pulled feelings from me that I didn't know what to do with. She made me hate the characters in the book with such passion that it stayed with me for days. One of the characters could not have been redeemed at all, I hated him the whole time. The heroine was just weak but I did feel bad for her sometimes. I mean, what do you do when you love someone so much that you'd be willing to jeopardize the life of your child to be with your man?
It takes a great author to make a reader feel so much. She brings you into the story so you feel as if you are the characters and their pain, happiness, and downfalls are yours. It's amazing. This author is one I'll continue to read, and when I have time, I want to read all of her books.
I recommend this book to anyone that love historicals, love, hate, strong feelings, politics, and stupid heroes.
stephaniemarie's review against another edition
4.0
Alexander is everything. And I loathe his parents more than ever. So, this book essentially didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.
I did enjoy reading about Alexander's young life before Russia, and the writing style was beautiful as always-- even while I wanted to throttle Harry and Gina (which is always).
It kills me a little that I can't hate Harry and Gina as much as I want to, because without their selfish, ridiculous actions, there would be no Tatiana and Alexander so...
I don't think I have much more to say about this book to write a proper review. If you're a Bronze Horseman fan, read it. It provides so much insight into Alexander's family, but it is nothing short of infuriating.
I did enjoy reading about Alexander's young life before Russia, and the writing style was beautiful as always-- even while I wanted to throttle Harry and Gina (which is always).
It kills me a little that I can't hate Harry and Gina as much as I want to, because without their selfish, ridiculous actions, there would be no Tatiana and Alexander so...
I don't think I have much more to say about this book to write a proper review. If you're a Bronze Horseman fan, read it. It provides so much insight into Alexander's family, but it is nothing short of infuriating.
elligraydee's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this so much but at the same time despised it because I had such hate for Harold Barrington. He ruined the lives of everyone around him.
Seriously, with 100 pages to go, I didn't want to continue because I had so much hatred for him. At the same time, Gina broke my heart and I wish she hadn't kept following hers.
I know, I know, then we wouldn't have Alexander and Tatiana. But Ben should've been her forever.
Seriously, with 100 pages to go, I didn't want to continue because I had so much hatred for him. At the same time, Gina broke my heart and I wish she hadn't kept following hers.
I know, I know, then we wouldn't have Alexander and Tatiana. But Ben should've been her forever.
marryallthepeople's review against another edition
1.0
Oh man I normally LOVE her books but I struggled through the first part of this book before giving up. Might pick it up later when I'm in a different mood!
dajaf's review against another edition
5.0
Tahle knížka mě naplňuje smutkem. Autorka zase ukázala bezmocnost člověka vůči lásce která je tak velká, že mu na konci nic nezůstane. Šťastná Gina/Jane znovu padá na kolena a nechá se vést Harrym...až na dno zoufalství. Proč to všechno dělá? Protože je to její život, její láska, její osud. Proč se nezachránila? Protože se Harry vzdal všeho co měl - svého majetku, postavení, rodiny a vybral si ji. A tak si i ona vybírá jeho...v dobrém i zlém.
margreads's review against another edition
3.0
I read The Bronze Horseman in 1 night, Bridge to the Holy Cross the next night. This one took me 3 weeks which tells me all I need to know in terms of how engaging this book is.
mrssprout's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent writter, excellent book. Is really incredible how the characters in this book "live". I almost expect them to jump out of the book. The feelings that this book provoke are overwhelming. You just one to hug Gina and kill Harry, just like that. From moments I feel really depressed because how deep I was inmersed in this story. If you rode The Bronze Horseman trilogy first (and I highly recommend it) you´d know how things will develop. I just pull through and keep reading till the end because I enjoyed too much the style Paullina has. Is really amazing how Paullina entwined all the characters, their personalities, backrounds and history together. I don´t give five stars because those are reserved for The Bronze Horseman.
allison_iup04's review against another edition
4.0
The Bronze Horseman trilogy was definitely WAY better, but I liked finding out about how Alexander's parents came to live in the Soviet Union. This book was better than the prequel - Children of Liberty. But I would recommend reading both if you want to fully understand the story.
lilprecious's review against another edition
5.0
This is the prequel to a trilogy that I started reading AGES ago! An amazing book that I had trouble putting down at night!!
margreads's review
3.0
I read The Bronze Horseman in 1 night, Bridge to the Holy Cross the next night. This one took me 3 weeks which tells me all I need to know in terms of how engaging this book is.
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