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cammmiam's review
3.0
Because I love the movie Anastasia and stories about the Grand Duchess there were plenty of aspects of this story to reach out to me. Russia always makes for a magical setting, and the time period of tension before the break of the Russian Revolution has always been one of fascination. But what this story does to differ from other books set during this period is its refusal to focus on Anastasia; instead it is her brother, Alexei, who is a much beloved person in the life of our main character.
Tsarina dares the reader to imagine a world where Alexei Romanov was able to live long enough to be someone’s boyfriend. He is in love with a young noble woman named Natalya, as she is with him, and it is assumed by all of the Russian court that the two will one day marry and rule together. One night, with this future in mind, Alexei shares with Natalya a family secret -- within the walls of the Winter Place is a magical egg charmed by Rasputin to protect the tsar and those he loves. It is this magic that has healed Alexei so he is no longer as plagued by his hemophilia. It is this magic that has held off the tensions between the poor and the nobles for this long to allow the tsarevich and his family to keep power. But there are limits to magic; for example, it cannot spare someone from a gunshot nor is it protected from disruption. And once the egg is disrupted history begins to follow the path we all know.
But since she is aware of the egg’s power and of the danger Alexei is in as a prisoner of the Reds, Natalya sets out to find the stolen egg and keep it safe for the Romanov family. The journey will take her across Russia and force her to join forces with a young member of the rebellious Reds to reach her goal. I’m not sure if the author intended for this to be an epic journey or not, because in my opinion it fell a bit flat. The sense of urgency never connected from the pages of the book to my heart, but that could also be because the reader already knows the fate of the royal family. I definitely liked Natalya as a character because she could be very resourceful and quick on her feet when she needed to be. The problem with her and other characters is due to the believability of a love interest. I never felt much between her and Alexei, nor did I feel anything between her and Leo.
However, as a story that brings magic into the Russian Revolution, this book did hold my interest with where it could go, and is therefore worth a recommendation for those interested in the time period and magic, but not interested in a love connection to fuel the ages.
Tsarina dares the reader to imagine a world where Alexei Romanov was able to live long enough to be someone’s boyfriend. He is in love with a young noble woman named Natalya, as she is with him, and it is assumed by all of the Russian court that the two will one day marry and rule together. One night, with this future in mind, Alexei shares with Natalya a family secret -- within the walls of the Winter Place is a magical egg charmed by Rasputin to protect the tsar and those he loves. It is this magic that has healed Alexei so he is no longer as plagued by his hemophilia. It is this magic that has held off the tensions between the poor and the nobles for this long to allow the tsarevich and his family to keep power. But there are limits to magic; for example, it cannot spare someone from a gunshot nor is it protected from disruption. And once the egg is disrupted history begins to follow the path we all know.
But since she is aware of the egg’s power and of the danger Alexei is in as a prisoner of the Reds, Natalya sets out to find the stolen egg and keep it safe for the Romanov family. The journey will take her across Russia and force her to join forces with a young member of the rebellious Reds to reach her goal. I’m not sure if the author intended for this to be an epic journey or not, because in my opinion it fell a bit flat. The sense of urgency never connected from the pages of the book to my heart, but that could also be because the reader already knows the fate of the royal family. I definitely liked Natalya as a character because she could be very resourceful and quick on her feet when she needed to be. The problem with her and other characters is due to the believability of a love interest. I never felt much between her and Alexei, nor did I feel anything between her and Leo.
However, as a story that brings magic into the Russian Revolution, this book did hold my interest with where it could go, and is therefore worth a recommendation for those interested in the time period and magic, but not interested in a love connection to fuel the ages.
withthebanned's review
4.0
Originally reviewed on Books Take You Places.
I was very intrigued by the idea of this story, Romanov Russia has always been interesting to me and the stories that surround the family have always been fascinating. While intrigued, I was also very worried. I honestly had no idea how Ms. Patrick was going to finagle a love story with Alexei, who was only thirteen when he was killed, it seemed like it would be at the very least, a very short and sad novel. The truth it, Ms. Patrick did manage a love story starring Alexei, but this story was much more than that. It was not so much a story of Alexei, though he is very important to the novel, but it was a story of his love, Natalya, and her quest to save Russia.
The relationships in Tsarina were something special as each character complimented one another. Each character believed in something whole heartedly, and each felt conflicted with their companion’s beliefs. Natalya and Leo were especially interesting to view together as they both believed in a better Russia, and though they started as not being able to understand one another’s beliefs, they eventually came to realize that they both wanted the same thing. I can’t completely say the same about Emilia, thought I do think that she believed what she did was right, she was still rather close minded in comparison to those around her.
I found that I really enjoyed Natalya, she had a strength within her that shone through as she moved forward in her task. Throughout the novel, she remained faithful in her unwavering support of her true love, Russia. As stated, Leo had the same strength as Natalya, he believed in his ideal Russia and did what he thought necessary to succeed. The mysticism that played a part in the central storyline was fantastic, and Maria’s character was especially interesting, and through her, the portrayal of Rasputin was incredibly intriguing. In fact, if Ms. Patrick chose to write a novella from Maria’s point of view, I would be very interested, seeing things from her mind would be fascinating.
I can’t say that I didn’t see the romance of the novel coming, but it unfolded slowly and surely in a way that made it very believable and sweet. I had my doubts, but this was very well done. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, and I do believe it is a book that has a little something for everyone. To those of you worried about the historical inaccuracies, I remind you that this is a work of fiction. The author really did a wonderful job of keeping things historically accurate while also adding a very interesting fictional storyline. Overall, I am happy to say that Tsarina was a beautiful portrayal of a rather sad piece of history. It is a story of a girl who believes in love. It is a story of hope.
I was very intrigued by the idea of this story, Romanov Russia has always been interesting to me and the stories that surround the family have always been fascinating. While intrigued, I was also very worried. I honestly had no idea how Ms. Patrick was going to finagle a love story with Alexei, who was only thirteen when he was killed, it seemed like it would be at the very least, a very short and sad novel. The truth it, Ms. Patrick did manage a love story starring Alexei, but this story was much more than that. It was not so much a story of Alexei, though he is very important to the novel, but it was a story of his love, Natalya, and her quest to save Russia.
The relationships in Tsarina were something special as each character complimented one another. Each character believed in something whole heartedly, and each felt conflicted with their companion’s beliefs. Natalya and Leo were especially interesting to view together as they both believed in a better Russia, and though they started as not being able to understand one another’s beliefs, they eventually came to realize that they both wanted the same thing. I can’t completely say the same about Emilia, thought I do think that she believed what she did was right, she was still rather close minded in comparison to those around her.
I found that I really enjoyed Natalya, she had a strength within her that shone through as she moved forward in her task. Throughout the novel, she remained faithful in her unwavering support of her true love, Russia. As stated, Leo had the same strength as Natalya, he believed in his ideal Russia and did what he thought necessary to succeed. The mysticism that played a part in the central storyline was fantastic, and Maria’s character was especially interesting, and through her, the portrayal of Rasputin was incredibly intriguing. In fact, if Ms. Patrick chose to write a novella from Maria’s point of view, I would be very interested, seeing things from her mind would be fascinating.
I can’t say that I didn’t see the romance of the novel coming, but it unfolded slowly and surely in a way that made it very believable and sweet. I had my doubts, but this was very well done. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, and I do believe it is a book that has a little something for everyone. To those of you worried about the historical inaccuracies, I remind you that this is a work of fiction. The author really did a wonderful job of keeping things historically accurate while also adding a very interesting fictional storyline. Overall, I am happy to say that Tsarina was a beautiful portrayal of a rather sad piece of history. It is a story of a girl who believes in love. It is a story of hope.
jennifermreads's review
3.0
A dash of the Romanov family, the power of the Russian Revolution, a little Rasputin, a touch of magic & mysticism (impossible to not have that with Rasputin in a story), and one heck of a spunky heroine. The only thing that kept me from giving this book four stars was my own wish for more Romanov in the story.
The Romanov era is such a fascinating bit of history. And their deaths left so many questions for so long – and Rasputin’s relationship with the royal family continues to intrigue historians and fictional authors alike – as well as us readers! So, for me, this was a delightfully light read following the wonderfully complicated roller-coaster Ilsa J. Bick’s White Space had just taken me on – and for a Romanov story to be called light? How odd, right? But it was. The magic – and the author’s lyrical words – will whisk you away into this historical era and the beauty that is the Russian landscape. Granted, I will inhale anything with a Romanov character – so Jackson Pearce, er, J. Nelle Patrick, had me interested at the word “Tsarina” on the cover and hook-line-and-sinker at the word “Alexei” on the inside jacket!
While I adored Natalya, I found myself utterly thrilled that Natalya’s friend Countess Emilia had more than a brief appearance in the story. I was fascinated with her ruggedness that hid beneath her noble exterior. But I was equally frustrated with the way Leo’s story went:
All-in-all this was just a wonderfully entertaining read. And, Patrick/Pearce hit a market folks … she seems to have the lone Romanov YA novel! If anyone can tell me about another Teen book with a Romanov arc, I’d love to know about it. Because a search of NoveList for read-alikes didn’t turn up anything note-worthy.
The Romanov era is such a fascinating bit of history. And their deaths left so many questions for so long – and Rasputin’s relationship with the royal family continues to intrigue historians and fictional authors alike – as well as us readers! So, for me, this was a delightfully light read following the wonderfully complicated roller-coaster Ilsa J. Bick’s White Space had just taken me on – and for a Romanov story to be called light? How odd, right? But it was. The magic – and the author’s lyrical words – will whisk you away into this historical era and the beauty that is the Russian landscape. Granted, I will inhale anything with a Romanov character – so Jackson Pearce, er, J. Nelle Patrick, had me interested at the word “Tsarina” on the cover and hook-line-and-sinker at the word “Alexei” on the inside jacket!
While I adored Natalya, I found myself utterly thrilled that Natalya’s friend Countess Emilia had more than a brief appearance in the story. I was fascinated with her ruggedness that hid beneath her noble exterior. But I was equally frustrated with the way Leo’s story went:
Spoiler
I was just plain frustrated that a love triangle had to surface. Whatever happened to just having a love that transcends death?!All-in-all this was just a wonderfully entertaining read. And, Patrick/Pearce hit a market folks … she seems to have the lone Romanov YA novel! If anyone can tell me about another Teen book with a Romanov arc, I’d love to know about it. Because a search of NoveList for read-alikes didn’t turn up anything note-worthy.
mandalouwho's review
5.0
This has to be one of my favorite books. It was sad, happy, and thrilling. I adored each character and I wish Tsarina didn't end. It was just a solid book.
joliendelandsheer's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel.
As mentioned in the author's notes, this book is based on a lot of actual facts. It is still a novel though, so the author combined two of the revolutions, namely the February and October revolution. This aside, there are a lot of things in this book that are accurate (obviously the powers of the Egg are not). As I have not read many books set in Russia, or about Russian history I was quite excited to start this.
And I do not regret it. This story is so captivating. Natalya is a Lady of the Russian Court yet she was smart and did what she thought was necessary. She was so very loyal to her love and her tsar, until the very end. And then we have Emilia, the more fragile lady. She was a great character as well: she followed Natalya, even though all she wanted was to go to Paris. And then there's Leo. So much character building in this one! I won't spoil anything but believe me, there's so much that changes him. That changes all of them actually.
And the plot. So twisting and captivating. AAAH. The fact that this is a standalone made me love it even more. Highly recommend it!
As mentioned in the author's notes, this book is based on a lot of actual facts. It is still a novel though, so the author combined two of the revolutions, namely the February and October revolution. This aside, there are a lot of things in this book that are accurate (obviously the powers of the Egg are not). As I have not read many books set in Russia, or about Russian history I was quite excited to start this.
And I do not regret it. This story is so captivating. Natalya is a Lady of the Russian Court yet she was smart and did what she thought was necessary. She was so very loyal to her love and her tsar, until the very end. And then we have Emilia, the more fragile lady. She was a great character as well: she followed Natalya, even though all she wanted was to go to Paris. And then there's Leo. So much character building in this one! I won't spoil anything but believe me, there's so much that changes him. That changes all of them actually.
And the plot. So twisting and captivating. AAAH. The fact that this is a standalone made me love it even more. Highly recommend it!
katyrc's review
3.0
3.5. While I struggled to connect with the characters as much as I’d like to, this story was very entertaining and clearly very well thought out.
bookishnicole's review
4.0
I am so glad that I stuck with this one. The payoff for this book was wonderful.