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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
4.5 stars.
I got an eARC on Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. And given I loved Ellen Alpsten's debut, Tsarina, I had no doubt I'd also love the sequel, this time centering on Elizabeth, Catherine I's daughter, who also eventually became Tsarina. I'll admit the first 30-40% of this story was a little slow for me, but we go full speed in the intrigues surrounding Peter II than Anna Ivanovna's courts, with Elizabeth being in constant danger for her life and freedom. Alpsten's knowledge of Russian history and culture shines through, as always, and she even adds in some supernatural elements in this that thankfully aren't too out of place, serving as foreshadowing for the story and which ends up being rewarding for the reader when the prophecies come to pass.
Another small downside is that I noticed a few typos here and there, but given the copy I was provided was an uncorrected version, I don't doubt they won't be there there anymore when we get the published version.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I can't wait for the 3rd and final book in the series - fingers crossed it'll be about Catherine the Great!
I got an eARC on Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. And given I loved Ellen Alpsten's debut, Tsarina, I had no doubt I'd also love the sequel, this time centering on Elizabeth, Catherine I's daughter, who also eventually became Tsarina. I'll admit the first 30-40% of this story was a little slow for me, but we go full speed in the intrigues surrounding Peter II than Anna Ivanovna's courts, with Elizabeth being in constant danger for her life and freedom. Alpsten's knowledge of Russian history and culture shines through, as always, and she even adds in some supernatural elements in this that thankfully aren't too out of place, serving as foreshadowing for the story and which ends up being rewarding for the reader when the prophecies come to pass.
Another small downside is that I noticed a few typos here and there, but given the copy I was provided was an uncorrected version, I don't doubt they won't be there there anymore when we get the published version.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I can't wait for the 3rd and final book in the series - fingers crossed it'll be about Catherine the Great!
This was a like, not a love.
I know nothing about Russian history so enjoyed googling the various characters and reading about them and comparing it to the story line. However, this took me forever to get through. The pace was extremely slow. Sometimes I had no idea how much time had passed and then it would be mentioned that years had passed. Also, for as long as this book is I didn't connect with Elizabeth at all, I didn't feel like there was much growth until the very end.
I know nothing about Russian history so enjoyed googling the various characters and reading about them and comparing it to the story line. However, this took me forever to get through. The pace was extremely slow. Sometimes I had no idea how much time had passed and then it would be mentioned that years had passed. Also, for as long as this book is I didn't connect with Elizabeth at all, I didn't feel like there was much growth until the very end.
Great look at one of the lesser known Romanovs. Full of political intrigue, lust for power, greed and backstabbing! If you enjoyed Tsarina then you will like this too!
This book was a pretty good historical fiction, but I don’t know I didn’t get into it that much at any point. I did love the gorgeous and sometimes repulsive descriptions of the Russian court. But yeah idk this one just fell off for me vibes and tone wise.
An interesting time period but I felt the novel could have been cut down for pace rather than exploring the short and chaotic reigns of the many tsars/tsarina of this time.
Felt a bit like a sequel that was rushed out the door
Felt a bit like a sequel that was rushed out the door
4.5 Stars
It was down to the wire, but I finished this early this morning and was again so impressed with the author’s research and storytelling ability. The second in a planned trilogy, you could read this as a standalone. It is a long book (514 pages), but it goes by quickly and you definitely become immersed in young Elizabeth’s life. I feel bad for the author because this is a tough time to have a book about Russian royalty come out given all that’s happening in Ukraine. Thankfully, it’s written about people so far in the past that I was able to solely focus on the content and storytelling abilities. I think what you want the most from good HF - in depth research, accuracy, good storytelling and a good pace. This book checked all those boxes. I’m really looking forward to the next installment and I hope by the release of the final book, we have peace and Putin and his cronies are held accountable.
It was down to the wire, but I finished this early this morning and was again so impressed with the author’s research and storytelling ability. The second in a planned trilogy, you could read this as a standalone. It is a long book (514 pages), but it goes by quickly and you definitely become immersed in young Elizabeth’s life. I feel bad for the author because this is a tough time to have a book about Russian royalty come out given all that’s happening in Ukraine. Thankfully, it’s written about people so far in the past that I was able to solely focus on the content and storytelling abilities. I think what you want the most from good HF - in depth research, accuracy, good storytelling and a good pace. This book checked all those boxes. I’m really looking forward to the next installment and I hope by the release of the final book, we have peace and Putin and his cronies are held accountable.
Tsarina’s Daughter by Ellen Alpsten is a sweeping, exciting work of historical fiction. Born to Peter the Great and Catherine I and the House of Romanov, Tsarevna Elizabeth is one of the world’s most beautiful princesses and envied by all of the Russian Empire. A life of luxury and comfort is broken by a dark prophecy which intertwines her fate with the dark future of Russia. Upon the death of her mother, Elizabeth’s world is changed forever, friends become enemies and no one can be trusted in the pursuit for power. Elizabeth has to clever and crafty in order to survive and seize her opportunity to rule Russia. But what is she willing to sacrifice or do to seal this fate? This book is vivid and compelling it’s short chapters adding a pacy rhythm to the unfolding story. This is the second book in a trilogy and I would definitely pick up the sequel. For fans of historical fiction this was well researched, entertaining and delivered as an epic portrait of 18th century Russia. 3.5 ⭐️.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
ARC: This book was less graphic and disturbing than her other book, but still very long and I feel I could do with a bit more editing to make it more concise.
The Tsarina’s Daughter is the sequel to Tsarina. Although is is the second novel, it can be read as a standalone without any problems. However, to get the full flavor of this historical fiction, I do recommend that one reads the first book before reading this one.
There are numerous characters and luckily, there is a cast of characters listing that outlines the who is who in the story. Truthfully, it was a blessing to have this as it helped me navigate the narrative a lot better. Especially since different names were used interchangably throughout the novel. Each of the characters were well developed. I didn’t particularly care for any of them until later in the story when many of them have matured or grown old.
Insofar as the storyline goes, it is a little longwinded. But it is probably because a certain atmosphere needed to be established — bejeweled monarchs, impoverished villages, and extravagant palaces.
The Tsarina’s Daughter is an enjoyable read. However, I didn’t quite appreciate the sprinkle of fantasy when a forest spirit prophesized the fates of Lizenka and Anoushka. To me, fantasy no matter how minute it is to the novel’s entirety has no place is an otherwise great historical fiction. Overall, four satisfying stars.
I received a physical and digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press for a book tour. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions. Tour Date: March 15, 2022
There are numerous characters and luckily, there is a cast of characters listing that outlines the who is who in the story. Truthfully, it was a blessing to have this as it helped me navigate the narrative a lot better. Especially since different names were used interchangably throughout the novel. Each of the characters were well developed. I didn’t particularly care for any of them until later in the story when many of them have matured or grown old.
Insofar as the storyline goes, it is a little longwinded. But it is probably because a certain atmosphere needed to be established — bejeweled monarchs, impoverished villages, and extravagant palaces.
The Tsarina’s Daughter is an enjoyable read. However, I didn’t quite appreciate the sprinkle of fantasy when a forest spirit prophesized the fates of Lizenka and Anoushka. To me, fantasy no matter how minute it is to the novel’s entirety has no place is an otherwise great historical fiction. Overall, four satisfying stars.
I received a physical and digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press for a book tour. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions. Tour Date: March 15, 2022