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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I'm so conflicted. I think I mostly didn't like it. The ending was good. It should have been like 250 pages shorter at least. Idk. I'm definitely never reading it again. I feel like it's probably 2.75 ⭐
The paperback illustrations were gorgeous and the best part of the book honestly.
The paperback illustrations were gorgeous and the best part of the book honestly.
This review needs a disclaimer because, admittedly, I do not know much about Russian history or the Nikolaevna family beyond the bare bones story of their tragic execution. As such, I cannot comment on the accuracy of the historical setting, culture and climate in this book. It's also a work of fantasy, which I feel gives [a:Sophie Lark|19626689|Sophie Lark|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1595044764p2/19626689.jpg] the flexibility to take creative liberties and if I come to learn that there are historical inaccuracies, it will not alter my opinion of this book. I also have not watched the Disney retelling of Anastasia since I was very young and I don't remember much of it. This reading experience came from a place of naiveté and a lack of context.
Potential triggers: suicide, violence and gore, war conflict, mass human suffering, poverty, grief and loss, captivity, labour camps, genocide.
This is my first time reading a book by Sophie Lark! While I understand this is pretty different than her usual dark romance, Anastasia absolutely exceeded my expectations and I will be reading Lark's entire backlist. The writing in this book is so beautiful, it haunts me. The world building, the characters, the dialogue, the plot... everything is soulful, intentional, enchanting and poetic.
This is a story inspired by the Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. It's a reimagining of her story without the tragic end. But don't let this fool you — she endures a trauma-heavy, painful and emotional journey on the way to her happily-ever after.
If you are looking for a simple and fast-paced read, this is not it. This book is hefty. It's almost 700 pages with a slow start, and to be completely honest I did not know if I would like it based on the pace of the beginning. If you remember anything from this review, let it be the fact that this slow start is so incredibly worthwhile. The scenes in the beginning from Anastasia's youth, the introduction of her family and the many side characters connected, serve big purposes that become evident later on in the story. I am so glad I stuck with this incredible story beyond the slow beginning, because as I moved through the pages, this book bewitched me, sunk teeth in me, and pulled me under. It felt like I slipped right into the pages, the scenes so vivid and affecting, the characters so raw and real.
Anastasia and Damien are incredible characters on their own, but together they are everything. Lark's author bio states that she likes to create heroes and heroines that need each other to become better versions of themselves and this couldn't be more true for Damien and Stassie.
The romance is slow, subtle, and minimal for most of the book, but it's also intense, passionate and indulgent. Anastasia and Damien's love story is impactful even with so much of it happening off the page and/or from a distance. Their love is forbidden and complicated; they transform from strangers to enemies to friends to more, all within a social and political climate that threatens to force them apart. Their relationship grows and changes drastically and organically. I will never forget it, and I already can't wait to revisit it.
The romance between this unlikely pair is obviously integral to the plot, but there is so much more to the story. While the first half is quite character driven, the second half is action-packed and intense, with a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. The conclusion of the story is flawless and had me all up in my feelings.
Rasputin is one of the most intriguing characters to me; his arc was masterfully developed and executed. He's one of those characters you hate to love and love to hate all at the same time. I definitely want to seek out the known history of the real Grigori Rasputin after reading this book.
The writing makes this book truly stand out, in my opinion. The prose is striking and poetic, with full-circle moments and hard-hitting statements that made me stop in awe. The prose is flawless and soulful. Reading it felt like I was reading a writer's true labor of love. This story is pure magic.
I would recommend this work of art to anyone that likes historical fantasy (emphasis on the fantasy) and historical romance, poetic prose with heavy symbolism, stories about war and oppression with trauma-heavy content, intricate plots and multifaceted characters.
Potential triggers: suicide, violence and gore, war conflict, mass human suffering, poverty, grief and loss, captivity, labour camps, genocide.
This is my first time reading a book by Sophie Lark! While I understand this is pretty different than her usual dark romance, Anastasia absolutely exceeded my expectations and I will be reading Lark's entire backlist. The writing in this book is so beautiful, it haunts me. The world building, the characters, the dialogue, the plot... everything is soulful, intentional, enchanting and poetic.
This is a story inspired by the Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. It's a reimagining of her story without the tragic end. But don't let this fool you — she endures a trauma-heavy, painful and emotional journey on the way to her happily-ever after.
"Suffering changes you. Either you become cold and bitter, divorced from human feeling. Or the opposite occurs, and you can’t bear to inflict the pain you’ve felt on anyone else."
If you are looking for a simple and fast-paced read, this is not it. This book is hefty. It's almost 700 pages with a slow start, and to be completely honest I did not know if I would like it based on the pace of the beginning. If you remember anything from this review, let it be the fact that this slow start is so incredibly worthwhile. The scenes in the beginning from Anastasia's youth, the introduction of her family and the many side characters connected, serve big purposes that become evident later on in the story. I am so glad I stuck with this incredible story beyond the slow beginning, because as I moved through the pages, this book bewitched me, sunk teeth in me, and pulled me under. It felt like I slipped right into the pages, the scenes so vivid and affecting, the characters so raw and real.
Anastasia and Damien are incredible characters on their own, but together they are everything. Lark's author bio states that she likes to create heroes and heroines that need each other to become better versions of themselves and this couldn't be more true for Damien and Stassie.
"Even if you see how dark the world can be … choose to believe it could be better."
The romance is slow, subtle, and minimal for most of the book, but it's also intense, passionate and indulgent. Anastasia and Damien's love story is impactful even with so much of it happening off the page and/or from a distance. Their love is forbidden and complicated; they transform from strangers to enemies to friends to more, all within a social and political climate that threatens to force them apart. Their relationship grows and changes drastically and organically. I will never forget it, and I already can't wait to revisit it.
The romance between this unlikely pair is obviously integral to the plot, but there is so much more to the story. While the first half is quite character driven, the second half is action-packed and intense, with a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. The conclusion of the story is flawless and had me all up in my feelings.
“I’m not a monster. I’m a man who was touched by the monstrous.”
Rasputin is one of the most intriguing characters to me; his arc was masterfully developed and executed. He's one of those characters you hate to love and love to hate all at the same time. I definitely want to seek out the known history of the real Grigori Rasputin after reading this book.
The writing makes this book truly stand out, in my opinion. The prose is striking and poetic, with full-circle moments and hard-hitting statements that made me stop in awe. The prose is flawless and soulful. Reading it felt like I was reading a writer's true labor of love. This story is pure magic.
I would recommend this work of art to anyone that likes historical fantasy (emphasis on the fantasy) and historical romance, poetic prose with heavy symbolism, stories about war and oppression with trauma-heavy content, intricate plots and multifaceted characters.
This book sent me on a whirlwind of emotions. I haven't felt this gripped by a novel in so long. I love how this is just as much a romance novel as it is a novel of personal growth.
The Anastasia movie made by disney has always been as big of a guilty pleasure as the Swan Princess or the Barbie princess movies. Seeing her story get a better ending than even I could dream of was so satisfying.
The Anastasia movie made by disney has always been as big of a guilty pleasure as the Swan Princess or the Barbie princess movies. Seeing her story get a better ending than even I could dream of was so satisfying.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fun time
3.5 stars. A book with and interesting premise and fresh perspective on this tale. There were more open door scenes than I expected (not my vibe) and the writing was a little choppy. But the story was intriguing.
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have wanted to read this book for a minute, but the mixed reviews have always given me pause. Seems like most fans of Sophie Lark expect that insta-smut...I mean, respect. This book is NOT that. Going to put this right up front and save you some time: This story is more a romantic fantasy than a romantasy. Yes, it does have a HEA, and many of the key themes surrounding the resolution are directly tied to the romantic relationship. BUT, like 70% of this book, Anastasia is a child (nothing creepy going on).
Anyways, enough of the silly smut vs no smut BS.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!
O M G! Historical fiction + fantasy + romance + VAMPIRES = YAAAASSSSSSSS!!!
Be prepared to slow down when you open this chonker—and not because the writing is dense or whatever—no, this is a story that demands to be savored. I feel that Lark did an amazing job writing these characters, especially—and there are a lot—it never gets bogged down, forget who someone is, or feel indifferent towards any of them. I actually cared about each and every single one. The setting is massive and absolutely stunning. The lore, which is a mix of pure fantasy, actual history, and Russian folklore, is downright divine and presented with such care. Lastly, if you really feel like it, you could spend hours discussing the symbology, themes, and literary devices ad naseum.
Will I argue that the writing is flawless? No. Or that the pacing is perfect? Also, no. But it is intelligible, coherent, and entertaining.
Anyways, enough of the silly smut vs no smut BS.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!
O M G! Historical fiction + fantasy + romance + VAMPIRES = YAAAASSSSSSSS!!!
Be prepared to slow down when you open this chonker—and not because the writing is dense or whatever—no, this is a story that demands to be savored. I feel that Lark did an amazing job writing these characters, especially—and there are a lot—it never gets bogged down, forget who someone is, or feel indifferent towards any of them. I actually cared about each and every single one. The setting is massive and absolutely stunning. The lore, which is a mix of pure fantasy, actual history, and Russian folklore, is downright divine and presented with such care. Lastly, if you really feel like it, you could spend hours discussing the symbology, themes, and literary devices ad naseum.
Will I argue that the writing is flawless? No. Or that the pacing is perfect? Also, no. But it is intelligible, coherent, and entertaining.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
