Romanov

 Synopsis

The history books say I died. They don't know the half of it.

Anastasia "Nastya" Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family's only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he's hunted Romanov before.

Nastya's only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn't act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn't frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her.

 That is, until she's on one side of a firing squad . . . and he's on the other.

Loved

• Oh my goodness I just have to say how much I ADORED this book. I was absolute perfection. I don't know where to start raving about it!

• The history. For me, one of the most exciting and gratifying book reading experiences is reading about history, and realizing after the story that much of it was true, and that the characters were actually real. This was a pretty historically accurate depiction of the last days of the Romanov family as they were exiled to Siberia- after researching and reading the author's note at the back of the story, it turns out that many of the elements of this story were true! Obviously, Anastasia (or Nastya's) story is fictional because no one knows whether she survived her family's execution or what became of her. It was sobering, tragic, and fascinating to have a glimpse into this important history and to experience it through the eyes of this family.

• The Romanovs. This is a remarkable family- not only because of their uniquely tragic history, but the legacy of benevolence and humility they left behind. As shown in the story, and as is apparently historically accurate, the Soviets had to frequently change the guards for the Romanovs because they would come to love the family so much for their goodness. Although they were humiliated, stripped of their titles, lands, and virtually everything they had, the Romanovs would not allow themselves to become bitter and hateful, and always treated everyone, including their captors, with respect and kindness.

• Nastya. This Grand Duchess Anastasia is not the elegant, well-mannered princess we would've expected. She is spunky, witty, and always has a good prank up her sleeve. According to the author's note at the end of the book, Nastya really was mischievous, playing pranks and writing silly plays even during her exile. Not only does she constantly compel herself to be strong and courageous for her family, but even after tragedy and heartbreak does she remain strong and selfless to lift those around her. Nastya has every reason to be bitter and spiteful, but instead she chooses forgiveness, love and understanding as her path. This journey of watching her choose this more difficult path is inspiring and uplifts readers as their hearts become lighter along with Nastya's.

• The magic. This story combines my two favorite settings for a story: history with a magical element. This is historical fiction, but we do get a dash of magic that creates the perfect blend of mystery, excitement, and development to the story. The magic felt very natural in this setting and fit seamlessly into the historically accurate events and figures.

• The theme of forgiveness. Without spoiling (although it's pretty widely known what happened to the Romanovs), this is one of the most tragic events in Russian history, and one would think reading about it would be heavy and painful. It is heartbreaking and tragic to read about, especially since we have come to love each member of the Romanov family. However, Nadine Brandes turned this story into one of hope, forgiveness, and understanding. Throughout the story, the only bitterness and spite come from the Bolshevik leaders, and even many of their hearts change because of the goodness of the Romanovs. Constantly throughout the story we see characters choose to forgive, love, and and empathize even when their own hearts are breaking and their futures seem destroyed. Also, being Christian, I really enjoyed the religious theme, as characters pray to Iisus (Russian for Jesus) to obtain forgiveness and guidance. This is a subtle theme and would not be intrusive to anyone who is not religious, but beautifully uplifting for every reader.

• The romance. This was a complex, but beautiful romance as time and time again, Nastya and Zash have to examine their beliefs, pasts, and loyalties in order to understand one another. Ultimately, they both learn to forgive and try to understand the other's motivations and intentions, which takes them on a journey of compassion and love. The romance provided some light-heartedness to the story, but ultimately was very moving and inspiring as the two overcome very real and painful obstacles to choose love over bitterness.

Didn't Love

• To me, this story was flawless and perfect and just beautiful. Obviously I wish the history was different, but I loved how this story became one of hope and compassion in the face of tragedy and heartbreak.

Content

• Language: 
• No language.

• Sexual content:  
• Two sweet, innocent kisses.

• Violence:
• The Romanovs are forced into exile, stripped of their titles and possessions, and imprisoned in a house with bad conditions. 
• The family is frequently threatened with being beaten and shot.
• Family hears shots everyday, signifying the execution of an innocent citizen.
• An innocent man is shot in front of characters.
• About 8-10 people are all shot at the same time. Blood and injuries described, but not graphically.
• A character is shot twice in the stomach.
• Some fights where characters are stabbed, slashed in the throat, bashed in the head with a rock, and shot at.

Overall Thoughts

Okay this story is just perfect. Fascinating history blended with mysterious spells that fit seamlessly together, all topped with a moving romance, heartwarming family bonds, and hope amidst tragedy. Whether or not you like a taste of magic in your stories, this is a must-read in order to understand the horror, but also the kindness and goodness of the Romanov legacy. This is a story that cannot be missed- prepare your heart to be warmed, broken, and lifted on this journey of tragedy, hope, light, and magic.