Reviews

Romanov – Nadine Brandes

— DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks for this opportunity! —

9780785217244

Look at this pretty cover! I knew I had to read this book as soon as I heard about it – so I’m very grateful to Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me with an advance copy. I’ve been loving Russian-inspired fantasy recently, and as I finished a very dissapointing book on the lead up to the Russian revolution (The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones) just a few days ago, I was doubly excited to refresh my memory of why I love these kinds of stories. Anyway, let’s get on to the review itself.

STAR RATING: 4.5/5 ✶

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/05/2019

SUMMARY: Anastasia Romanov is a mischieavous, sassy, and smart teenager in the early twentieth century. However, as she was born royalty, she and the rest of her family are suffering under the revolution and the ensuing Boshevik regime. Brought to exile in Ekaterinburg, the story follows the last month of the old czar’s family, their captivity, and the relationships with their oppressors and guards. However, in this retelling of the Russian revolution, there is magic. Once openly practiced and available, it has now been outlawed, although Anastasia still protects a magical artefact that might save them all…

OPINIONS: I loved this book more than I probably should. I think I read it within a day or so, craving it whenever I was at work or busy – it really should have been longer and told more of the story. I think it’s intended as a standalone, but I would love a sequel.

The characters are really at the centre of what got me so hooked on this book – all the main/important characters are well fleshed-out, and relatable, although some of the minor characters/family members never become quite real. Anastasia, Zash, and Alexei are amazingly complex characters, who try to do their best within their circumstances, which is not always the objectively right thing – I love that Nadine Brandes dares to let them have flaws, and make mistakes. It is a story that makes sense in itself, and while greatness is thrust upon those characters, it is done in a natural way, and doesn’t seem to be as forced as the ‘chosen one’ trope tends to be.

Magic in the universe of Romanov is fascinating. Reminiscent more of rituals than of the Harry Potter brand magic that we are all intimately familiar with, spells are based on so-called Spell Ink. This is a crucial ingredient to any and all magic, and it’s something that the characters struggle to gain access to. I like the idea of magic as craft, dependent on more than just immediate want – which is also an idea that is central to my own WIP, which will hopefully be finished at some point. Magic is a struggle, in a way, and an obstacle the characters need to overcome in order to be able to profit from it, a concept that does seem pretty unique in currenty fantasy.

I can’t wait for this to be published next spring so I can see what other people have thought of this. Having reviewed Fawkes by the same author earlier this year, I have to say that while her earlier historical novel was good, Romanov is a thousand times better. I’m excited to read more of her work as her career continues, as I feel her craft is progressing by leaps and bounds. For now, preorder Romanov anywhere books are sold, and add it to your Goodreads shelf!

 

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: