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bibliobrandie's review
3.0
An Anastasia Romanov reimagining: Russia, 1918. It had everything I usually love in a book but something was missing for me. The author's note provides historical background and was probably my favorite part.
jessicambrain's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
thepagelady's review
4.0
I was drawn into this novel from the first page. There are chases and nail biting fight scenes. But most of all I enjoyed reading about Anna and Evgenia's friendship. They are the kind of characters that draw you in and you can't help but be invested in these strong young women! It was interesting to get a point of view on what Anna's life may have been like if she did get away! A beautiful, engaging and entertaining read! Thank you Fierce Reads for sharing this book with me! Happy reading everyone!
dpaul's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
1.0
1/5
wow it feels like it took me forever to read this book. then again it kind of did to me. I had a busy week when I first started reading it then I got caught up in other things. The story itself was promising but I wasn't as interested in it as I was hoping to be.
wow it feels like it took me forever to read this book. then again it kind of did to me. I had a busy week when I first started reading it then I got caught up in other things. The story itself was promising but I wasn't as interested in it as I was hoping to be.
roxlastewka's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
dannyphantomsg1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
atrailofpages's review
4.0
This was a unique take on the story of Anastasia. I love retellings, so I am all about this!
Anna escapes after her family is murdered, and is trying to get to her cousin who lives some towns over. On the way, she meets Evgenia(who has no idea who Anna really is) a girl who agrees with the communists and convinces Evgenia to allow her to travel with her and stay with her until she’s able to reach her cousin, and in exchange Anna will make sure Evgenia is paid handsomely. Of course, nothing is as simple as just walking over to Anna’s cousin’s place, a lot of obstacles occur that stop them again and again, including an officer who is hunting Anna. And Evgenia has to determine whether it’s worth risking her and her family’s life to help this random girl, and Anna has to decide what to risk to survive.
This is a very well written book. This really showed and discussed the conflicts that occurred at that time in Russia with the Reds and the Whites. It was a very intense time, and regardless of which side you were on, people were treated terribly by either side, it is very sad to read.
I loved reading how Anna and Evgenia’s friendship grows. There’s so much suspicion at first(and for good reason on Evgenia’s part) and it’s really amazing how much it developed and survived despite everything that happens to them. And I will tell you, A LOT happens to them. Anna at times irritated me, but she has a good heart and was looking out for Evgenia the whole time, not just herself. Oh and she has a jeweled corset, what?!
Anna escapes after her family is murdered, and is trying to get to her cousin who lives some towns over. On the way, she meets Evgenia(who has no idea who Anna really is) a girl who agrees with the communists and convinces Evgenia to allow her to travel with her and stay with her until she’s able to reach her cousin, and in exchange Anna will make sure Evgenia is paid handsomely. Of course, nothing is as simple as just walking over to Anna’s cousin’s place, a lot of obstacles occur that stop them again and again, including an officer who is hunting Anna. And Evgenia has to determine whether it’s worth risking her and her family’s life to help this random girl, and Anna has to decide what to risk to survive.
This is a very well written book. This really showed and discussed the conflicts that occurred at that time in Russia with the Reds and the Whites. It was a very intense time, and regardless of which side you were on, people were treated terribly by either side, it is very sad to read.
I loved reading how Anna and Evgenia’s friendship grows. There’s so much suspicion at first(and for good reason on Evgenia’s part) and it’s really amazing how much it developed and survived despite everything that happens to them. And I will tell you, A LOT happens to them. Anna at times irritated me, but she has a good heart and was looking out for Evgenia the whole time, not just herself. Oh and she has a jeweled corset, what?!
steph01924's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
You won’t find any catchy tunes here. You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
You won’t find any catchy tunes here. You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
amybraunauthor's review
4.0
A new take on the myth of Anastasia Romanov, DAUGHTERS OF A DEAD EMPIRE tells Anna's story of her escape as she meets a local peasant girl who she hopes will get her to safety, all while hiding her true identity.
The characters are unique, though not overly memorable. Anna is naive but with a well meaning heart, while Evgenia is brusque but suffering from immense grief. They make an unlikely duo, though there is still chemistry between them.
The plot moves at a good pace and makes for a nice tight story. There is an equal balance of emotion and danger, though I didn't quite buy the romance angle. There are plenty of dark aspects that make for a tense reader, all while staying as close to history as possible.
It's a great, short read for anyone looking to indulge in a story about Imperial Russia!
The characters are unique, though not overly memorable. Anna is naive but with a well meaning heart, while Evgenia is brusque but suffering from immense grief. They make an unlikely duo, though there is still chemistry between them.
The plot moves at a good pace and makes for a nice tight story. There is an equal balance of emotion and danger, though I didn't quite buy the romance angle. There are plenty of dark aspects that make for a tense reader, all while staying as close to history as possible.
It's a great, short read for anyone looking to indulge in a story about Imperial Russia!