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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
I LOVED this book, ate it up and wanted more. It was beautifully written, enchanting, heart-wrenching, and everything in between.
All the stars.
All the stars.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’m ashamed this book took me so long to finish, because it was so great! I loved the magic system, the twist with the original characters and then adding in the paranormal vibes- it was phenomenal! I was very much thrown for a loop at the end with the time jump, and I wasn’t sure if it would be a deal breaker for me, but it ended up working out beautifully! Read for me retelling in Between the Covers Book Club.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Definitely a different one for Sophie Lark but such a great read! This was such a great blend of fantasy, supernatural, history and romance. It honestly felt like reading an epic poem because it spanned so many years and was so detailed. I hope she writes more like this!
4.5 Stars
At first, I debated if I should write a review but after long consideration, I decided to do it. Firstly, I want to point out that I did enjoy this story, however I know not everyone will, so I would only recommend it to a certain audience.
Yes, this is romance, but it is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers. Things don't get spicy until the 70% mark. At it's core this is a coming of age story, where Anastasia must figure out her role in the imperial family but also develop her magic until the tutorage of Rasputin. Despite being 700 pages (or 600 because of the stunning illustrations), I was instantly sucked into this world. There are some historical facts but for the most part this is a fantasy and should be read as one.
I loved Damian and Anastasia as individuals and a couple. They really brought out the worst and best of each other. We see Anastasia grow from a child to a women and how her opinions changed as she learned more. I was heartbroken when her sisters died, not only because she was so close to them but because we also got to see them be their own characters with dreams, struggles and desires. The secondary cast was just wonderful. There were so many moments in the later half that hit me right in the feels, to the point I even cried once or twice.
I would recommend this to people who enjoy reading alternative history with magic and some adult themes.
However, I would also like to add a list of people who should avoid this book. Not because it is bad but I can see people picking up this book expecting one thing only to be disappointed or angry, because the synopsis is a bit misleading. So before you pick this one up please consider:
This is a work of fiction based on a real person.
I can see quite a few people are angry that this book was based off a real living girl, however this isn't the first romance (or fantasy) book that depicts Anastasia (or a historical figure), so if you cannot stand that then why are you picking this up? There are plenty of books based off historical figures that died before they reached adulthood (in order to give them a happier ending). If you not into alternative endings, this might not be for you. If you don't mind them, then please consider the next point.
Anastasia was 17 when she died, but that is not her age here.
In this novel she has been aged up to 21. (19 when the assassination takes place, so yes, all the characters are a little older and the events and years of the Great War are different from reality). There is a line that says "Damien was finally going to see me using the gift he sent for my nineteenth birthday" (407/711 pg). A little after that we get a one year time skip and the story continues from there until Anastasia makes it past 21st birthday. So, before any spicy content occurs, Stasia is 20.
Finally, this is an alternative historical fiction with some magic.
Meaning there is a great deal Sophie got right and there is a great deal she took liberties with. In order to tell the story, she wanted some things were obviously changed. So take historical facts with a grain of salt. If you interested in nothing but the truthful historical accuracy, look elsewhere. I would recommend doing your own research if there is any of the aspects of this book that intrigue you. Otherwise just strap in and enjoy the beautiful writing of Sophie Lark, for it is easily one of her best.
At first, I debated if I should write a review but after long consideration, I decided to do it. Firstly, I want to point out that I did enjoy this story, however I know not everyone will, so I would only recommend it to a certain audience.
Yes, this is romance, but it is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers. Things don't get spicy until the 70% mark. At it's core this is a coming of age story, where Anastasia must figure out her role in the imperial family but also develop her magic until the tutorage of Rasputin. Despite being 700 pages (or 600 because of the stunning illustrations), I was instantly sucked into this world. There are some historical facts but for the most part this is a fantasy and should be read as one.
I loved Damian and Anastasia as individuals and a couple. They really brought out the worst and best of each other. We see Anastasia grow from a child to a women and how her opinions changed as she learned more. I was heartbroken when her sisters died, not only because she was so close to them but because we also got to see them be their own characters with dreams, struggles and desires. The secondary cast was just wonderful. There were so many moments in the later half that hit me right in the feels, to the point I even cried once or twice.
I would recommend this to people who enjoy reading alternative history with magic and some adult themes.
However, I would also like to add a list of people who should avoid this book. Not because it is bad but I can see people picking up this book expecting one thing only to be disappointed or angry, because the synopsis is a bit misleading. So before you pick this one up please consider:
This is a work of fiction based on a real person.
I can see quite a few people are angry that this book was based off a real living girl, however this isn't the first romance (or fantasy) book that depicts Anastasia (or a historical figure), so if you cannot stand that then why are you picking this up? There are plenty of books based off historical figures that died before they reached adulthood (in order to give them a happier ending). If you not into alternative endings, this might not be for you. If you don't mind them, then please consider the next point.
Anastasia was 17 when she died, but that is not her age here.
In this novel she has been aged up to 21. (19 when the assassination takes place, so yes, all the characters are a little older and the events and years of the Great War are different from reality). There is a line that says "Damien was finally going to see me using the gift he sent for my nineteenth birthday" (407/711 pg). A little after that we get a one year time skip and the story continues from there until Anastasia makes it past 21st birthday. So, before any spicy content occurs, Stasia is 20.
Finally, this is an alternative historical fiction with some magic.
Meaning there is a great deal Sophie got right and there is a great deal she took liberties with. In order to tell the story, she wanted some things were obviously changed. So take historical facts with a grain of salt. If you interested in nothing but the truthful historical accuracy, look elsewhere. I would recommend doing your own research if there is any of the aspects of this book that intrigue you. Otherwise just strap in and enjoy the beautiful writing of Sophie Lark, for it is easily one of her best.
I can’t even begin to write a coherent review on this book, it was absolutely amazing. I love how we got to follow Anastasia through her childhood into adulthood, and got to explore her and Damien’s relationship through the years. Sophie I love you and your incredible ability to tell this story in the most amazing way.