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brn's review against another edition
4.0
I still have this book a 4 even though at some moments I hated it. Mostly a 4 because it challenged me. A book I had to finish but a book that at several points in the story I said to myself "Why am I reading this?". I wonder if the author was torn between a love story, a historical fiction or a 50 Shades of Grey story. I got bored at times and annoyed but I had to finish it because I wanted to know what happened at the end. I enjoyed the characters and I think I know where the author is going but I think she could have got us there a lot quicker. Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutely, because I am more hooked on the characters than ever now. I have higher expectations for the next book so I hope I am right!
chrissypink80's review against another edition
4.0
Touching, within a very disturbing setting and time. I loved the main characters. Can't wait to read the rest if the trilogy!
maisy6's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? No
5.0
doxamully's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is an amazing epic tale of romance and struggle. I thought it was excellent, but I rated it the way I did because I didn’t like any of the characters. Even our main couple. They were very real and flawed people and I think they were excellently written, but man did they annoy the heck out of me.
aabowen's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, epic historical fiction. I absolutely love the breathtaking story of Tatiana and Alexander.
currentlyreading_'s review against another edition
5.0
A refreshing read if you're tired of the typical romance book.
banannie_18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
carolrinke's review against another edition
4.0
The summary says it's a romance novel in Russia circa WWII. There are 3 books plus a prequel. This is book 1. Someone recommended it to Bonni. Honestly, I was annoyed by the plot/character choices involving Alexander & Tatiana "sublimating" their love to "protect" Tatiana's sister who was also in love with Alexander. In spite of how much I hated that concept, I still really enjoyed the "read". The author wrote about place, time and circumstance so well that I can put myself into that time and place and live alongside the characters. I have a visceral sensation about what it was like to live on 5th and Soviet in a communal apartment with few rations and no water. The image of slopping buckets of water up the stairway while you fall on the ice that has instantly formed on the steps from all the other sloshed buckets. My description cannot depict fully what the author told perfectly. This is what I love in a book, she helped me to live and experience intimately what I did not know before.
devansbooklife's review against another edition
5.0
What a deeply moving story. I had heard so many good things about this book and yet I was hesitant to start. It did not disappoint. I loved the build up between characters. I loved the tragic history brought to life before my eyes. What a humbling love story. My only complaint is that I cannot continue this story. I was unfortunate enough to know what is involved in the next books, and I cannot move past this book. I wish I could go back in time and somehow erase the information I stumbled upon, it tarnished my view of these characters. So for now I will try my best to remember them as they were.